Fifty-Five Years of Fighting for Truth: The Puna People's Stand Against Geothermal and its Side Effects

For over half a century, the resilient people of Puna on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi have waged a tireless battle for truth and justice. Their fight centers on the environmental and health consequences they believe are directly linked to geothermal energy operations in their sacred homeland. This isn't just an environmental dispute; it's a struggle to protect their ʻāina (land), their culture, and their very way of life.

While geothermal energy is often touted as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, the reality for the Puna community has been far more complex and concerning. As scientific literature confirms, geothermal emissions, particularly from older, open-loop systems, can release a cocktail of pollutants into the air and potentially contaminate the land and water.

The Shadow of Geothermal: Documented Concerns

The data speaks volumes. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), with its telltale rotten egg odor, is a common byproduct of open-loop geothermal plants. In the atmosphere, this gas can oxidize into sulfur dioxide (SO₂), a major contributor to acid rain. Acid rain, in turn, can damage vital crops, forests, and soils, and acidify precious freshwater ecosystems. While geothermal plants may emit less SO₂ than their fossil fuel counterparts, the impact on a localized community like Puna remains a significant concern, due to the fact that the 2018 Kilauea eruption made things 100 times worse for surrounding environment .

Beyond sulfur compounds, open-loop systems can also release other gases like methane, ammonia, and even small amounts of mercury and boron. Furthermore, the potential for the formation of inhalable particulate matter from SO₂ poses direct respiratory risks to the community. The possibility of hazardous waste generation, including sludge containing heavy metals like arsenic and mercury, adds another layer of environmental concern that demands rigorous oversight and transparent management. (see sources at end of article).

A major issue for the Leilani Estates community and beyond is the lack of accountability and transparency, despite the abundance of data and regulations for geothermal energy worldwide. Specifically, since the 2018 eruption, there are 24 active geothermal fissures on Kilauea’s lower east rift zone that authorities at the state, county, and geothermal plant levels have not acknowledged or monitored, despite community lawsuits and residents urging officials.

The health implications for the Puna people are deeply worrying. Scientific studies highlight that exposure to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide can lead to a range of respiratory issues, from irritation to more severe lung damage. High concentrations of SO₂ can even cause nausea, vomiting, and more serious health crises. The potential for acid rain to harm agricultural lands and for animal health to be compromised by fluoride or sulfur intake further underscores the interconnectedness of the environment and the well-being of the community.

KahuPuna: Standing for Aloha ʻĀina and Puna's Future

This is where KahuPuna, your organization, steps into the heart of this ongoing struggle. Rooted in the deep cultural values of aloha ʻāina – a profound love and respect for the land – KahuPuna's mission is to protect the unique natural environment and the vibrant cultural heritage of Puna while bringing our native traditions back into these covered up concealed critical habitats . Our work embodies the unwavering spirit of the community, amplifying their voices and advocating for responsible stewardship of their ancestral lands.

The Current Injunction: A Moment of Pause, Not an End

The fight for truth and accountability has seen many chapters. Currently, the Puna community stands under the protection of an injunction related to geothermal operations. This legal measure, the 2024 Hawaii Geothermal Injunction represents a crucial moment, providing a necessary pause to further potential environmental harm while the long-standing concerns are thoroughly addressed. However, this injunction is not the final resolution. It underscores the urgency and validity of the community's demands for transparency, comprehensive impact assessments, and ultimately, the protection of their health and environment.

Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Justice and Respect

KahuPuna's commitment to aloha ʻāina and the preservation of Puna's culture and life is more vital than ever. The journey of the past 55 years demonstrates the unwavering determination of the Puna people to safeguard their home. Moving forward, it is imperative that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed with scientific rigor and cultural sensitivity, and that any future energy development prioritizes the health and well-being of the community and the long-term sustainability of the ʻāina. The fight for truth in Puna is a testament to the power of community, the enduring connection to the land, and the unwavering pursuit of environmental justice.

KahuPuna

#AOLEPGV #PELEOVERPROFIT #ALOHAAINA

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sources:

[1] https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/environmental-impacts-geothermal-energy

 [2] https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/geothermal/geothermal-energy-and-the-environment.php

 [3] https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/geothermal-energy/pros-and-cons

 [4] https://www.fws.gov/node/265252

 [5] https://www.iea-gia.org/previous-activities/wgnbsp1-environmental-impacts-of-geothermal-energy-development

 [6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969719359947

 [7] https://www.ivhhn.org/uploads/IVHHN_gas_pamphlet_English.pdf

 [8] https://www.ivhhn.org/information/health-impacts-volcanic-gases

 [9] https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/geothermal-energy-pros-and-cons

 [10] https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1204290/

 [11] https://sites.lafayette.edu/egrs352-sp14-geothermal/contexts-and-consequences/environmental-pollutants/

 [12] https://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/geothermal/geothermal-energy/environmental-impacts-of-geothermal-energy/

 [13] http://web.mit.edu/nature/archive/student_projects/2009/bjorn627/TheGeothermalCity/Environmental.html

 [14] https://solmek.com/environmental-impact-of-borehole-drilling-what-you-need-to-know/

 [15] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X21001218