A proposed hydro project — the first of its kind in the world — could supply up to a quarter of the island’s power by diverting 4 billion gallons a year from the Waimea River.

The justices said state regulators were right to question environmental problems and consumer costs.

The first of two public meetings will be held Wednesday, in person and online.

The measure aims to speed up regulatory approvals but has generated concern over how it may help certain developers.

Activists say that’s a big blunder. And lawmakers are moving to require all new state buildings be designed with EV charging stations.

The two-hour hearing delved into the tree-burning power project’s legal claims after the PUC denied its permit.