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Keeping the Pulse: Defending Puna in the 2026 Legislative Session


Aloha Puna Ohana,


As we navigate the current legislative session, it’s becoming increasingly clear that our community’s vigilance is our strongest tool. We are currently facing a wave of bills—specifically SB3081, HB1981, and SB2151—that threaten to expand state emergency powers and fast-track geothermal projects without the robust environmental oversight our land requires. Go to capitol.hawaii.gov to create your measure tracking list today !


The "Late Testimony" Tactic

One of the most concerning trends we’ve witnessed recently is the practice of marking community opposition testimony as "LATE," even when submitted within reasonable windows. This isn’t just a clerical detail; it’s a barrier to legislative transparency. When our voices are sidelined, it becomes easier for bills that prioritize industry over ‘āina to slip through the cracks.


Why We Stand Against These Bills

Our opposition to bills like HB2236 and SB2151 is rooted in a simple truth: expanding emergency powers to bypass environmental impact statements (EIS) removes the community’s right to know what is happening in our own backyard.

Geothermal expansion in Puna isn’t just an energy issue; it’s a matter of public health, groundwater safety, and the preservation of our rural lifestyle. We cannot allow "emergency" designations to become a permanent loophole for avoiding accountability.



Its amazing that they are trying to pass bills that remove environmental laws such a providing environmental impact statements, when they know exactly what has been proven and exposed in the unprecedented Hawaii Geothermal Injunction ! IMAGE HERE is from the actual Injunction SHOWING THE REAL LIFE COVER UPS of PGV Fracking indicted earthquakes, all originating under Ormat Puna Geothermal Venture . ORMAT PGV states in their fradulent EIS (what the injunction is based on) that there are NO UNDERGROUND IMPACTS from their geothermal fracking . how stupid do they think we, the Hawaiian people, are????
Its amazing that they are trying to pass bills that remove environmental laws such a providing environmental impact statements, when they know exactly what has been proven and exposed in the unprecedented Hawaii Geothermal Injunction ! IMAGE HERE is from the actual Injunction SHOWING THE REAL LIFE COVER UPS of PGV Fracking indicted earthquakes, all originating under Ormat Puna Geothermal Venture . ORMAT PGV states in their fradulent EIS (what the injunction is based on) that there are NO UNDERGROUND IMPACTS from their geothermal fracking . how stupid do they think we, the Hawaiian people, are????


How You Can Take Action Right Now

The momentum of KahuPuna depends on all of us. Here is how you can help today:

  1. Submit Your Testimony: Even if you see a "late" warning, submit your opposition for SB3081 and HB1981. Every submission is a matter of public record that they cannot ignore.

  2. Spread the Word: Share our recent spoken-word updates and scripts with your neighbors. Education is the first step toward resistance.

  3. Stay Informed: Keep checking back here and on our social media for the latest bill numbers and hearing deadlines.


We are born and raised in this dust, and we know its value better than anyone in a high-rise office. Let’s continue to stand firm for the truth and for the future of Puna.


Mahalo for your courage and your voice.





#PunaAdvocacy, #HawaiiLegislature, #EnvironmentalJustice, #KahuPuna.

 
 
 

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