In the heart of the Hawaiian Islands lies Kīlauea, one of the most active volcanoes globally and a revered symbol of life for the Native Hawaiian people. For generations, Kīlauea has been integral to the Hawaiian worldview, embodying the spirit of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today, it faces an alarming threat from geothermal projects that have affected the lands of Puna for over 40 years. There is an urgent need to reclaim the rich cultural heritage of this sacred land as we confront deceptive practices and environmental harm.
Understanding the Cultural Significance of Kīlauea
Kīlauea is not just a natural wonder; it is deeply intertwined with Hawaiian mythology and traditions. Local beliefs hold that Pele resides within the volcano, serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between destruction and creation. The land, or ‘āina, holds immense value for Hawaiians, both spiritually and economically. A 2021 survey revealed that 85% of Native Hawaiians consider the health of Kīlauea essential for their cultural identity and future generations.
In Hawaiian culture, the concept of Kuleana emphasizes responsibilities toward the land and community. This principle underscores the stewardship and care for the environment, reminding us that what we take must be given back in equal measure. As guardians of these islands, Hawaiians must ensure that their heritage remains intact, facing ongoing threats with strength and unity.
Mādame Pele in Kīlauea's East Rift Zone 2024 . Pele has been active in her East Rift since Sara Steiner filed the unprecedented 2024 Hawaii geothermal Injunction, which is in the processes of appeals to supreme court. To the Hawaiians, according to their traditions and culture : this is a sure tale sign Mādame Pele is present and making herself known alongside the fight to free her from this immense cultural erasure.
Geothermal Toxins: A Modern Threat to Sacred Land
Puna Geothermal Venture has injected billions and billions of gallons of toxic materials into Kīlauea, disrupting the ecosystem. Alarmingly, over six million gallons of geothermal toxins are pumped deep into the ground daily. This reckless extraction has long-lasting consequences, impacting not only the environment but also the cultural and spiritual essence of what it means to be Hawaiian.
Local water and soil tests indicate increasing toxicity levels, showing a 45% rise in certain harmful compounds since geothermal projects began. This environmental negligence challenges Hawaiian Kanawai—the laws of the land. The lack of proper monitoring and oversight raises critical questions about the priorities of those in power. Moreover, the Hawaiian community has not consented to these practices, and it is vital for them to stand against these actions.
The Importance of Education and Awareness
Education is key to empowering the Hawaiian community to fight against these injustices. Understanding the historical and cultural significance of Kīlauea can inspire action. By focusing on geothermal education, residents can grasp the impacts of these practices on their land.
Recent community workshops on geothermal effects have attracted over 120 participants , indicating a growing awareness and willingness to advocate. By raising awareness about the dangers of geothermal toxins, residents can play a crucial role in seeking better monitoring and intervention. This effort is not just about opposing energy companies; it is a battle for cultural preservation, health, and environmental justice.
A Call to Action: The Need for Opposition
The time has come for the people of Hawaii to rise for Pele and protect their sacred lands. The Puna community has felt the impacts of geothermal initiatives on their health and environment without credible studies on air, water, or wildlife. There have been no detailed health assessments conducted after a reported increase in respiratory issues by 38% in nearby areas, pointing to an urgent need for accountability and oversight.
Ashley Kierkiewicz, a puppet placed by the Hastings and Pleadwell (PGV Lawyers Firm), has been the district 4 representative of Puna since the geothermal-influenced Leilani Estates Eruption of 2018. Despite promising the people health studies and claiming that water studies will be conducted in 2024, she and other authorities have ignored the fact that people are currently being gassed in their homes and receiving no assistance, nor has she produced any health or water studies.
Hawaiian children must learn their roots, along with the significance of their environment, to understand their role as stewards. Educating young ones about Kuleana and the guardianship of ‘āina will secure a healthier, sustainable future for Hawaii’s next generations.
Really important for us to band together as the keiki o ka āina for mādame Pele now. See this KahuPuna educational flyer on why now is the only time in 80 years we will have to actually stop this . We need actual support in the form of the huli at our Supreme Court Dates . Mahalo , KahuPuna
The Road Ahead: Supreme Court and Fundraising Efforts
Community support is crucial in the ongoing effort to defend Kīlauea. KahuPuna is dedicated to pursuing justice through legal means, such as the obtaining of an injunction against the harmful activities of the Puna Geothermal Venture. The individual filing this injunction is my mother, a lifelong Pahoa resident who is an artist and activist, as well as the chair of Laulima Pahoa 501(c)3. This effort also involves more than a dozen members of the Puna community and two volcano scientists who have provided evidence of the significant harm being done to Kīlauea under false pretenses. Despite seeking a fair trial, our constitutional and human rights were disregarded by the lower court judge in the 3rd circuit court, leading us to raise funds and appeal to the supreme court. However, engaging in legal battles requires substantial financial resources. If you are able to assist Sara Steiner with legal expenses, please visit the GoFundMe page on the A'OLE PGV Facebook group. Additionally, in-person support is crucial to prevent further concealment of the truth.
To further support the sustainability of this website, you can contribute by donating to the grassroots organization KahuPuna. If you navigate away from this blog post, you will find the main webpage where you can explore various sections dedicated to global and local Geothermal education and resources that we provide. In addition to this website, which caters to the community surrounding Puna Geothermal Venture and beyond, KahuPuna manages around 18 social media activism sites and community organization groups, all of which I strive to maintain using my smartphone. Facing severe financial hardships even while working 5 days a week to support my own ohana, I have been seeking funds to acquire an affordable laptop from Walmart to continue my community initiatives since August 2024. Therefore, I am relying on you, the reader, to assist me in achieving this objective. Please know hundreds WILL benefit from this as the laptop is all i need to aquire many resources for my concealed Hawaiian community. The donation link through Givebutter can be found on the website's welcome page at wearepuna.wixsite.com 😀 here is a little more info about it -->
The KahuPuna URGENT ACTION FUNDRAISER is currently underway to gather necessary funds. The goal is to raise $500 to provide educational materials and resources for community outreach and awareness. This cannot be accomplosged without a Laptop and Printer for KahuPunas Community Office. With this support, KahuPuna and the entire 'A'OLE PGV MOVEMENT , alongside the communitys fight during the unprecedented 2024 Hawaii geothermal injunction, can ensure greater engagement as we all head to Supreme Court. It is crucial that the community’s voice is heard, and they have the tools to advocate effectively as there is no news reporter or independent journalist brave enough to help us gain any media coverage. -Jasmine Steiner ( KahuPuna Aloha Activism )
Why Your Help Matters
Supporting grassroots movements is not just a passive act; it is an investment in the land and its people. Contributions to the KahuPuna fundraiser will provide vital educational resources, such as a community laptop and printer which will provide immeasurable hope for our mission. These tools will help distribute crucial information about geothermal education and advocacy efforts, while also being the physical database for the private air monitoring and health data collection the Puna Geothermal Radius community will be starting to organize. This is vital for our well beings and survival down here as the county of hawaii refuses to monitor or do any health studies.
This fight goes beyond geographical boundaries; it focuses on restoring cultural identity, community unity, and open communication about the risks of geothermal development in a time where all people outside of the actual geothermal radius are lied to and told that this is all ok in any way . The narratives surrounding this are so pocture perfect yet noone questions the fact that there's not one accurate study regarding any geothermal effects at all on the planet. You cannot inject so much cancer into something fir so long and tell the population it isnt sick.
By contributing to kahupunas fundraiser on givebutter, you become part of a collective movement to halt the desecration of Kīlauea and to revive the connection to heritage.
Reclaiming the Future
In a time of environmental urgency, it is our shared Kuleana to protect the invaluable resources that sustain our lives and heritage. With courage, the Hawaiian people can reclaim their narrative against harmful industrial practices.
By acknowledging their roots and standing up for Pele, the community embodies the spirit of resilience that defines them. Ensuring the sacredness of Kīlauea is respected and preserved is vital for future generations.
A New Dawn for Kīlauea
In the core of Hawaiian culture lies a call for action inspired by ancestral wisdom and community solidarity. The struggle against geothermal desecration is not a lost cause; it is a journey toward revival and reconnection with the land. As awareness grows, so does the urgency for the community to mobilize around principles of stewardship and responsibility.
Together, we can ensure the voices of the people are heard, honoring the spirit of Kīlauea and safeguarding Hawaii's future. Each step taken toward educational advancement and environmental justice brings us closer to fulfilling our sacred Kuleana. Let us rise for Pele and protect the land that sustains us all.
Contributions to the KahuPuna URGENT ACTION FUNDRAISER are critical as we move into the next phase of legal battles. Your support can help restore balance and hope in our relationships with the land and its people. Please donate today . Lives will be greatly affected ik the best of ways in this covered up concealed native community.
Let us unite for a future where Kīlauea stands as a proud volcano and a lasting symbol of Hawaiian strength, resilience, and culture. The time to act is now—join us, contribute, and stand with the land that supports us.
Let's save Puna. Let's Mālama Tūtū Pele. #aolepgv #wearePuna #itstimewebreathe
Eye lava you all
Xo
Jazzy
Kahu
Aloha Activism
Article written by Jasmine Steiner , KahuPuna Founder, born and raized on the Lower East rift of Kīlauea Volcano: Tūtū Pele's Realm
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