Is wave power in Hawaii's future?

The mast of Ocean Power Technologies' wave power generating buoy is above the surface in Kane'ohe Bay, the working parts submerged. (US Navy photo)

Wave power could be the next big thing in renewable energy, with a test project off Windward O'ahu expected to provide electricity as early as next month.

A power-generating buoy anchored north of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i near Kane'ohe already produced electricity -- even during a period of relatively calm seas during testing in September --before being brought ashore for upgrades.

The buoy, in 100 feet of water about seven-tenths of a mile north of the Mokapu Peninsula on which the Marine base lies, should be operating again in March. The test system is one of three wave generators planned off Kane'ohe in the next year or two.