Navigating Trauma, Seeking Justice: My Personal Battle Against Geothermal Plant and the Fight for Representation

The recent quarterly public "community" meeting at the Pahoa Community Center regarding Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) activities at the plant turned out to be far from the calm and constructive dialogue many of us hoped for.

Rather than our community in radius collecting valuable insights and updates to share with those who couldn't attend (since PGV once again scheduled the meeting at the last minute, with nobody knowing about it until 12 hours prior), I found myself in an environment filled with tension and disbelief. If you're keeping up with the PGV discussions, make sure to check platforms like Aole PGV group on facebook for the latest updates.

When I first entered the meeting, I envisioned a space where concerns could be openly shared. Instead, it quickly morphed into an unsettling gathering, marked by dismissive attitudes and a complete disregard for community fears. The hosts, Ormat Technologies along with their managers, Mike Kalekini and Shrimp Boy Hara, seemed more intent on controlling the narrative than truly engaging with us.

Upon entering, I noticed that Mike Kalekini was visibly upset and snapping at community members whenever they raised questions or comments about their lived traumas and daily experiences at home due to the geothermal drilling and the fracking procedures, which involve injecting chemicals at a rate of 4.3 million gallons a day under our homes. He appeared to be in a heated argument, essentially yelling at Uncle Rocky Kalani, a kanaka (Native Hawaiian), who was questioning why Ormat conducted a study on the Hawaiian hoary bat, an endemic endangered species, during the daytime when it is well-known that bats are nocturnal. Mike Kalekini was so visibly upset and getting very aggressive and as someone who has attended these made for media meetings for years and years , it's a energy I had NEVER have seen radiating from him.

The fraudulent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in question is the same one involved in the geothermal injunction that the community is currently pursuing against PGV and the County of Hawaii, which is progressing through intermediate and then supreme court appeals. You can find all court documents on this website related to the active injunction which is also public fata on ecourtkokua.

As the community fights this foreign, corrupt, unregulated, and unmonitored entity in environmental court during the unprecedented Hawaii geothermal injunction, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands is attempting to expedite the sale of more Hawaiian homelands to Israel (Ormat) for further unregulated and unmonitored desecration and ecological damage via geothermal fracking, which is completely unacceptable. This action violates Kanawai, the laws of the land in the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Conflicts of Interest

Mike Kalekini’s role as the long-time leader of PGV and his current position as Chair of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) raise serious questions. How can a leader protect our cultural interests while managing a project viewed by many as destructive? This conflict of interest sparks intense feelings of betrayal and doubt among community members. It feels for the past few decades now in Puna Hawaii as if we are facing a system that prioritizes foreign profits over people, and this disconnect has deepened our collective trauma.

During the meeting yesterday, after about 30 minutes of continuous back-and-forth where community members voiced their fears, concerns, ecological concerns and medical and neurological issues, Ormat repeatedly interrupted them with dismissive comments like "nah, that didn't happen" and "no, that's not true." I eventually became extremely frustrated and raised my voice, saying, "DO YOU GUYS HEAR YOURSELVES? ALL YOU ARE DOING IS CONSTANTLY GASLIGHTING AND IMMEDIATELY TELLING EVERY COMMUNITY MEMBER THEY ARE LYING AND THAT THEY ARE NOT LIVING THEIR ACTUAL EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITAL TRIPS VIA AMBULANCE, ETC. YOU CANNOT DO THIS. WATCH YOURSELVES." When Kalekini remarked, "this is going nowhere," I responded, "I agree. How do you expect anyone to ever believe you care or have any interest in fostering good faith within the community when all you do is call everyone liars and crazy?" It's baffling what's going on in their minds. My only conclusion is that they are money-hungry.

As an advocate for true and accurate geothermal educational globally on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Facebook and youtube, I often feel overwhelmed. The emotional burden of dealing with my trauma while trying to keep the community informed is substantial. Each time I try to move forward, it seems the pressures of the situation pull me back. But I will NEVER give up. Too much is at stake.

The mental trauma from this situation has built up over time. I have seen this entity effectively keep my entire community captive in their own backyard, depriving them of all human rights and health, mocking, ridiculing, and gaslighting them whenever they ask for help, before completely covering up and concealing all their cries related to geothermal. I also have three generations in my immediate family suffering from geothermal-related chronic issues: my father with 90% full body mercury poisoning, myself with central nervous system issues, mental health issues, immune system problems, and asthma and bronchitis since childhood due to geothermal blowouts, and now my sweet daughter, who has very sensitive lungs and can't even endure the daily drive through the geothermal toxic waste area every morning to get to school. #PunaLivesMatter

When I asked Kalekini why he tells us in community meetings that "all we have to do is call him personally when there is an upset or we get sick and the air is bad, and he will come himself to check the air and do a reading," yet when I actually contact him personally when we are sick and my child is at urgent care on breathing machines, and I practically beg him to come and check the brown air in our low yard and areas on Pohoiki Road, he mocks and laughs at me in response and refuses to do what he promised as the Ormat manager. He texts back saying I'm not being "nice" enough (right on, braddah. Real true evil right there), and he gets even more upset.

First, he tried to mock it and make jokes about it, but then he said I haven't tried him in a while, to which I responded, "because I promised you the last time you mocked and refused to come in texts that I would never waste my time again and I'd just SEE YOU IN COURT." Kalekini got visibly upset and snapped back that he wasn't going to answer then because he will "just see me in court like I said." After I persisted and said, "no, I am asking you right now here in person as a community member in the public community meeting why you think you can do this to the community. Our lives are on the line," he said with a smile, "well, all you can do is try again, yeah."

All I know is , he is very lucky he is still standing and that God was with me in there holding me back.

A Community Under Siege

The detrimental impacts of the geothermal plant are becoming increasingly evident. Residents are experiencing issues ranging from respiratory problems to heightened anxiety due to living near PGV. However, during meetings, PGV plant managers dismiss our concerns, ridicule us, and suggest that we merely need to report the issues, which is completely untrue, and they are aware of it. Yesterday, Kalekini repeatedly insisted that they "follow all rules and are heavily monitored," which is entirely false. He knows very well that the laws and regulations are designed to facilitate Ormat PGV's operations in Hawaii. All the bills, permits, regulations, and zoning are structured to enable the exploitation of our Tūtū Pele, our volcanoes.

According to a recent survey, 62% of local families have experienced health problems they attribute to the plant's presence. These aren’t just numbers; they represent lives altered by what many consider environmental negligence. PTSD and complex PTSD are now common terms in our community discourse, marking a harsh reality of our struggles.

The division within our community became glaringly apparent during the meeting. Many of us opposing the geothermal project felt sidelined, while corporate representatives dished out assurances that failed to resonate. We must urgently establish a forum for transparent conversation, one where genuine community concerns can be addressed and the environmental impacts of geothermal energy evaluated critically.

As of this point . There is not one respectable media outlet or newspaper or independent reporters or journalist that will help the Puna People with their 40 plus year environmental and human rights fight and raising awareness for it , which is a vital piece we are missing to this puzzle. So Please help raise awareness in any way you see fit. Even the courts seem paid off at this point.

The Emotional Toll

The trauma we face is a daily reality that colors our interactions and perceptions of community. The lack of support for issues that matter to us only deepens our struggles. I frequently grapple with balancing my role as an activist with the profound impacts on my mental health.

Sharing our stories on social media carries risks. While it is rewarding to articulate our challenges, the fear of backlash and isolation often weighs heavily on us. The hashtag #aolepgv succinctly captures our collective frustration and longing for understanding. It is crucial that we channel this energy into productive avenues that promote healing, support, and resilience among us.

Many of the native Puna Hawaii residents have been so traumatized by living within

PGV radius that they have moved away, and most are reluctant to speak out about it due to the extent of their trauma and the intimidation they have experienced over the years. Since I was born and raised near this entity in Leilani Estates, Leilani Estates and the surrounding areas have transformed into a completely different transplanted world. #leilanistrong

Seeking Representation

In the midst of this chaotic backdrop, I am also facing my personal battle for legal representation in a personal injury case. Despite having a solid case supported by my court-appointed doctor, securing legal assistance has proven to be a daunting challenge. It feels as if I am running into a wall at every turn. Why is it so difficult to find someone willing to speak up for those who need it most?

The well-being and health of my own Ohana rely on this. I often become overwhelmed with anger at the notion that we apparently don't deserve human rights, health, or environmental rights, while others do. This also affects the health of the Hawaiian kingdom as a whole. It astonishes me how the world can witness Puna's cries and yet no one helps for such a long time, as it continues to be hidden and culture erased in one of Hawaii's most sacred places: EastGate Ladder of the Sun Kumukahi, "where all life springs forth" traditionally.

I am reaching out to the community for help in finding a paralegal or legal resource in Hawaii that can assist me. The journey feels isolating, and each day without representation adds more strain to an already challenging situation. If anyone knows someone who might help, please consider reaching out to me at wearepuna@gmail.com. Your support could transform not just my circumstances, but also empower our community to stand against the injustices we face, along with bringing geothermal awareness globally for others to educate themselves.

ORMAT IS A GLOBAL ISSUE.

Moving Forward Together

We must come together to create a unified front against the corporate interests that threaten our community. Our focus should be on discussing the real damages caused by geothermal projects and exploring sustainable energy alternatives. There is no universe in existense that we need geothermal in hawaii. It only contributes 16% electricity to all of Hawaii Island and it is absolutely NOT WORTH the suffering and ecocideand cultural erasure.

By collaborating, we can better recover from the scars inflicted on both individuals and our community.

We can nurture a spirit of aloha activism, where we protect our traditions, cultures, and environment. This fight transcends mere opposition to a plant. It is about standing against environmental racism and ensuring a livable future for generations to come.

A Call to Action

By sharing my story, I aim to ignite dialogue that leads to tangible actions. The trauma we endure cannot continue to be overlooked. Let us forge a path toward recovery, nurturing our spirits while seeking justice for ourselves and our land.

The resilience of the Puna community is a strength we must harness. Each of us plays a vital role in this healing journey. By providing emotional support, sharing resources, and steadfastly confronting environmental injustices, we can build a powerful movement.

Let us keep the conversation alive. Raise your voices, share your stories, and advocate for our community. No matter the challenges ahead, we will not back down. Our home and our way of life are worth fighting for. Share the injunction updates out. You will not hear about it on the news .

Through collective action and informed engagement, we can amplify our message and initiate meaningful change. It is essential that we remain united, strong, and determined to protect what we hold dear.

Aloha Always

Eye lava you

Jazzy