In recent weeks, a controversial ruling in Hawaii has unleashed anger among community members, scientists, and activists alike. A judge dismissed a case, issuing a brief minute order stating he reviewed "all declarations and exhibits and found no cause for concern" . The primary concern among Puna residents is that their rights are being entirely disregarded. Many express disbelief, asking, "Uh, what? Is Judge Nakamoto okay?" or stating, "He had 40 years of documented illnesses and cover-ups, with no monitoring, health studies, or environmental assessments of any kind. How can he say there's 'no cause for concern'?" This decision has caused additional trauma for residents who entrusted the judge with their hopes for a normal life, only to have them dismissed.
Rest assured, Sara Steiner, the pro se filer, promptly appealed the decision. She is tirelessly advocating for the Puna community and the sacred environment she considers home. We all, as the LERZ Puna community, are now waiting for updates from her regarding the Hawaii Supreme Court process. You too can stay informed by following the official A'OLE PGV Facebook group, which Sara has managed for years, promoting environmental advocacy and calling for seismic, air monitoring, and health and water studies.
"Imagine how you would feel if your family were treated like the Puna People who live near PGV?." - Sara Steiner
The groundbreaking 2024 Hawaii Geothermal Injunction, which includes over a dozen local residents within the geothermal area and two esteemed geologists—one of whom is a professor at the University of Miami specializing in this field and had extensively been studying the drilling of Kīlauea—has highlighted serious issues. This professor, who submitted his significant concerns and findings during the Environmental Impact Statement comment period, has raised serious questions about the operations of the Israeli-owned Ormat Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), uncovering a long-standing web of deception in Hawaii.This injunction brings together declarations that offer extensive evidence of personal illnesses, medical issues, environmental and cultural concerns, and alarming cover-ups spanning nearly 40 years. Imagine, that's four decades of corruption without oversight or regulation, lacking health, water, or air studies, and no accountability, with all community efforts within the radius hidden from the world.
"This decision supporting the foreign geothermal volcano drilling factory, contrary to generations of native Puna people, including a direct bloodline descendant of the Hawaiian Volcano goddess, exposes decades of government deceit toward the Hawaiian population, resulting in a summary judgment in favor of the county and PGV. These actions directly infringe upon the constitutional right to a fair trial, which is crucial for justice."-Jasmine Steiner, KahuPuna
As we explore this urgent issue, we will examine the constitutional guarantees related to a fair trial, the implications of human rights violations under the Geneva Convention, and the ongoing suppression of free speech that affects the community. This discussion seeks to inspire a sense of urgency and collective responsibility, urging everyone to consider the broader implications of this ruling, not just for Puna but for communities across the United States, which is the country that assures us these constituational rights of a fair trial.
The Constitutional Right to a Fair Trial
The right to a fair trial is protected under the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It provides individuals accused of crimes with the right to an unbiased jury, a chance to defend themselves, and the opportunity to participate in a public trial. This principle is vital for ensuring justice is served impartially.
We also are provided with the assurance of the 5th ammenment of the US constitution . This being : The Fifth Amendment creates a number of rights relevant to both criminal and civil legal proceedings. In criminal cases, the Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to a grand jury, forbids “double jeopardy,” and protects against self-incrimination. It also requires that “due process of law” be part of any proceeding that denies a citizen “life, liberty or property” and requires the government to compensate citizens when it takes private property for public use.
In Hawaii's concerning situation, community members and advocates contend that their right to a fair trial was denied when the 3rd circuit judge issued a minute order dismissing over 150 pages of substantial criminal evidence. The case was dismissed despite compelling evidence of environmental impacts and health concerns associated with PGV's operations. Residents have reported increased respiratory and sinus issues, brain fog, headaches, nausea, dizziness, significant skin problems, fatigue, and even having to pull their children out of school.
Additionally, due to a lack of monitoring or regulation, they must drive through hazardous geothermal H2S clouds daily, and even wake to them at nighttime in their own homes. Elderly in the Puna community have been taken to the hospital via ambulance due to the geothermal air. All these issues and more are detailed in the declarations of the injunction, asserting they are linked to geothermal drilling activities and demanding accountablilityand any form of monitoring. How can the judicial system ensure justice if it dismisses valid concerns from the community?
This is more than just a legal issue; it reflects deeper systemic challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized voices. Puna's residents are becoming increasingly aware that their fight for justice is part of a larger struggle against powerful corporate interests prioritizing profit over community well-being.
The Human Rights Violations
While the U.S. Constitution offers significant protections, international frameworks also emphasize human rights. The Geneva Convention states that everyone is entitled to fair legal protections and dignities, including the right to seek legal remedies. In Puna, these rights seem to be under attack as residents face corporate pressures, making their struggles largely invisible.
Residents have shared alarming stories about feeling unsafe in their homes due to ongoing geothermal operations. One survey indicated that over 60% of respondents felt their health was at risk. Common issues reported include respiratory illnesses and chronic fatigue, which directly correlate with the operations of PGV. This situation not only breaches the Geneva Convention but also undermines the community’s sense of safety and overall well-being.
View the gallery here below this paragraph. Read the images. The images are a very important few pages regarding a couple who worked at PGV... The author of this book is a Yale graduate, decades of studying the affects of these toxins, who came here to our neighborhood and studied the health issues related to geothermal energy and published a comprehensive book on the subject. This reflects our reality in Puna, Hawaii, where the community is tired of being used as the geothermal industry's and the County of Hawaii's virtual "guinea pigs" as they exploit and damage Mādame Pele, attempting to continue for another 40 years without a legitimate Environmental Impact Statement, to say the least.
The lack of transparent monitoring is another significant concern. Residents are left uninformed about potential health risks while their pleas for an unbiased platform to voice their concerns go unheard. The influence of corporate entities seems to overshadow the voices of those who are most affected—the people of Puna #PunaLivesMatter .
Suppression of Free Speech
In addition to constitutional and human rights violations, the suppression of free speech in Hawaii is alarming. Journalists and news organizations, which should be reporting on vital issues, often avoid the geothermal situation. A study found that nearly 100% of journalists felt pressure not to cover community concerns about geothermal drilling. This fear stifles critical conversations and discourages public awareness.
When the press hesitates to address topics like the health impacts of geothermal energy, the community misses out on essential information. When all they see is propaganda placed to fit geothermal narratives, they believe the news over the actual people who are sick and living it for decades. This silence from all reporters and newspapers in Hawaii perpetuates ignorance and supports practices that may harm both the people and the environment. The free exchange of ideas is vital for a vibrant democracy. If the voices of Puna's residents are silenced, mocked and ridiculed, what does this say about society's commitment to civil liberties?
Environmental Concerns and Cultural Preservation
The situation in Puna extends beyond legal matters; it closely relates to environmental and cultural preservation. Kilauea, known as Madame Pele, holds deep cultural significance for the Hawaiian people. The geothermal projects extracting energy from this active volcano threaten its health, yet concerns raised by locals are often ignored. Even a descendant of Pele herself has been fighting for this to end , for far to long , as it is a desecration of the actual Hawaiian culture:
"It is a rape of my beliefs , and my traditions ! " - Uncle Palikapu Dedman, native Hawaiian, blood lineage of Pele, the Hawaiian Volcano goddess , on demanding health studies at planning commision in 2015 (see video here --> https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1diYBiKbvf/ )
Community members view geothermal drilling as a threat not only to their land but also to their spiritual beliefs. A survey found that 80% of local residents believe that geothermal operations could harm sacred sites, with many sites already virtually erased off the map. Kumukahi, where PGV is located, is one of the most culturally and traditionally sacred in all of Hawaiian Islands as its where the sun first touched, therefore it was where all life sprang forth. It holds Kanes waters of life also, Easterngate. Theres also a plethora of endangered threatened wildlife that needs this critical habitat to survive and thrive, including the Endemic Hawaiian Hawk. Disregarding these cultural concerns while enhancing energy projects reminiscent of colonial exploitation is highly problematic.
Moreover, environmental consequences linked to geothermal operations cannot be overlooked. Reports indicate that over 50% of Puna residents have noticed declining water quality and worsening air quality, phenomena they attribute to ongoing geothermal activities. The absence of independent studies to verify or challenge these claims only heightens community anxiety, and they endure immense trauma from false promises to the media seemingly just for show, regarding any form of studies taking place.
When corporations exploit natural resources for profit without oversight, what happens to the ecosystems and the people dependent on them? Addressing these questions requires clear communication and inclusion of residents in decisions about land use and energy development.
A Path Forward: A Call for Justice
As the people of Puna await the Supreme Court’s review of their case, it is crucial to examine the journey they are on. It represents a struggle for justice, resistance to the indifference faced by marginalized communities, and advocacy for a sustainable future that recognizes everyone’s rights.
Raising public awareness is essential to amplify the voices of those feeling ignored. Citizens should hold their elected officials and corporations accountable, demanding transparent processes that prioritize the well-being of affected communities. With the evidence and testimonies collected over the years, a thorough court case could uncover critical truths that need addressing.
Collaboration with environmental groups, legal experts, and cultural leaders is vital in creating a strong movement advocating for Hawaii's residents' rights. Awareness is just the beginning; we need active participation to drive real change.
Rally for Justice
The fight for justice in Hawaii’s geothermal energy issue is complex. It revolves around the principles of legal rights, human dignity, and cultural heritage. By championing the constitutional right to a fair trial, we can elevate the voices of the Puna community and increase their demand for intervention.
Ignoring the plea of Puna residents neglects a broader human rights narrative that transcends geographical boundaries. This is a call for solidarity, reminding us that everyone deserves to live safely and with dignity and to express their views freely.
As more people understand the nuances of this struggle, we hope a collective response can lead to tangible change, ensuring the needs of Puna's residents are prioritized over corporate interests.
Together, we must offer our support, pledge to protect the vulnerable, and commit to driving the change our world so urgently needs.
In this pivotal moment, let us unify in the fight for justice. please share out what you see fit with the hashtags #aolepgv and #PunaLivesMatter . Scroll the blog and website. your support via clicks and page visits helps this puna community platform grow. Mahalo. #kukiaipuna #peleoverprofit
I love you all.
Jasmine Steiner
KahuPuna
Aloha Activism; Aloha Ola O Ka Pono
Thank you for telling this important story. Everyone should be informed about this!
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