In the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii, few figures are as significant as Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Revered as a source of creation, Pele embodies both the nurturing and destructive forces of nature. Beyond myth and spirituality, she stands at the center of Aloha activism, particularly amidst current conflicts surrounding geothermal energy developments. As the 2024 Hawaii Geothermal injunction reaches the Supreme Court, the stakes are incredibly high. Understanding Pele’s cultural importance amidst the swirl of geothermal propaganda reveals profound implications for Hawaiian sovereignty and community well-being.
Pele: The Heartbeat of Hawaiian Culture
Pele’s narrative is deeply woven into Hawaiian lore and identity. Beyond being a goddess, she symbolizes the land itself. According to tradition, she creates new land through volcanic activity, while also holding the power to destroy. This duality reflects the essence of life in Hawaii, where creation cycles and destruction are crucial for growth.
Her influence is not merely a story; it’s a living cultural legacy. Practitioners of Hawaiian spirituality often call upon Pele during ceremonies, seeking her blessings. For example, the annual Makahiki festival—celebrating the harvest and honoring deities—often includes ceremonies invoking Pele's spirit. This connection emphasizes the community's respect for nature's delicate balance.
Locals from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, fishers, and environmentalists, align their efforts with Pele, advocating for sustainable practices that honor their land and culture. Aloha activism draws strength from Mādame Pele—not just as a goddess but as a symbol of resilience against environmental threats and cultural marginalization.
Geothermal Energy: A Destructive Force Dressed as a Solution
As geothermal energy gains support as a clean energy alternative, concerns about its environmental impacts are frequently minimized. Advocates argue that tapping into Earth's heat is vital for Hawaii’s energy future; however, research suggests a different narrative.
In a 2021 study, residents living near geothermal plants reported that 67% experienced health issues they directly linked to the operations of these facilities, including respiratory problems and headaches. Despite consistent community complaints about air and water quality, these concerns often go unheard, drowned out by a push for profit under the guise of sustainability.
In Puna, Hawaii, native residents have lived for generations near an unregulated and corrupt volcano fracking facility, suffering various symptoms for almost 40 years, yet they are being utterly ignored and silenced. They are currently hoping for assistance from the Hawaii Supreme Court through the unprecedented 2024 Hawaii geothermal injunction.
The Hawaiian community’s historical relationship with the land underscores the urgency of these issues. For many locals, the land is not just property; it is a living entity demanding respect.
This raises critical questions: When will society recognize the wisdom inherent in this relationship? When will community health be prioritized over corporate interests?
The Impact of 2024 Hawaii Geothermal Injunction on Community Advocacy
As the community awaits news with Sara Steiner's appeals to Supreme Court , we ponder the 2024 Hawaii Geothermal injunction, advocacy groups and concerned residents are uniting to amplify their voices. The stakes extend beyond legal arguments; they underscore the fight for Hawaiian culture and rights.
Opponents of geothermal exploitation often draw parallels to historical colonization, where native voices were silenced for profit. This current struggle speaks to the core of how native communities can protect their sacred places and traditions from modern encroachments. For example, the successful opposition to a geothermal project on the Big Island in 2019 showcased the power of community mobilization.
"All the people need now is as much support in Puna, where Pele is being fracked open and injected with billions of gallons of cancer a year for over 40 years, completely unregulated, as they gave Hualalai. During the active Injunction, we need the huli coming together as one- for Pele, and we clean house for tutu" - Aloha Activism
The #AOLEPGV campaign to raise awareness about geothermal’s impacts highlights not just environmental repercussions but also the psychological toll on the community. Advocacy groups are tirelessly working to educate others about the reality of geothermal energy, demanding thorough studies and consideration of health implications for those living nearby.
This movement embodies the spirit of Aloha activism, aiming to heal the land and the relationship people have with it. Aloha Activism is inspired by Pele, channeling her passionate spirit to confront powerful lobbying entities and government agencies intent on pushing geothermal initiatives, as well as the closer to home issues we have within our own streets such as local representatives and business owners, and community associations, local media and all Hawaii journalists.
Misinformation and Propaganda: The War for Hearts and Minds
In discussions surrounding energy solutions, misinformation about geothermal energy is rampant. Many narratives—often funded by powerful interests—claim geothermal energy is completely clean and a key to a greener future. Without challenge, this rhetoric can lead to environmental compromise and cultural erasure.
One major hurdle for activists is countering misinformation with facts. The absence of comprehensive health and environmental studies creates a void that allows narratives skewed toward corporate interests to thrive. For example, reports indicate that areas near geothermal plants see an increase in air pollutants, which is linked to a 30% rise in respiratory illnesses among local residents.
To ensure their voices are heard, community advocates can utilize platforms to amplify the truth amid propaganda. Engaging diverse communities through various mediums—particularly art, storytelling, and social gatherings—can be powerful tools. These methods not only foster connection but also spread awareness about the cultural significance of Pele in geothermal debates.
Finding Common Ground: A Call for Balance and Respect
The pursuit of a sustainable future in Hawaii must balance energy needs with the preservation of cultural and environmental integrity. Community-based approaches should prioritize the voices of those directly impacted, valuing their insights and experiences in decision-making.
To cultivate a harmonious relationship with the land—akin to the essence of Pele—Hawaii could pioneer energy solutions that prioritize community health and environmental sustainability. This approach could integrate modern technology with ancient wisdom, ensuring that local communities benefit from energy initiatives.
Understanding Pele’s cultural significance offers a lens to re-examine Hawaiian energy policies. Her teachings advocate for respect towards the land and its life-giving properties, urging a steadfast commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture against exploitation.
Awakening to the Call of Aloha
As the conversation about geothermal energy in Hawaii intensifies, it is essential to uplift the narratives of those seeking justice regarding its impacts. Recognizing Pele—not as mere folklore but as a living essence—can enrich and bolster the ongoing fight for health, justice, and cultural identity. #malamatutupele #stopfrackingpele
The battle against geothermal propaganda isn’t simply an environmental issue; it concerns a community’s heritage, well-being, and future. To comprehend the realities of geothermal energy, society must first listen to the voices of those closely connected to the land.
In this critical moment, the dedication to protecting sacred spaces serves as a symbol of life and strength within Aloha activism. As the case heads to the Supreme Court, advocates face the significant task of remembering and honoring Pele's legacy while striving for a just and sustainable future.
Let the spirit of Pele guide this journey, igniting renewed awareness about the richness of Hawaiian culture and the vibrant stories passed down by generations committed to safeguarding their home.
aloha always,
hope you all have a wonderful new year. please dont forget tutu and the fight to free her currently as we head into 2025. Lets malama madame Pele. You can help this mission by donating to KahuPuna , any little bit counts towards my missions for Puna and Pele. (Its on the home page of the website, link below)
xo
Jazzy
KahuPuna
Aloha Activism
other really important KahuPuna articles from blog:
Hawaii is the perfect candidate for Regentech’s Earth Power Lodge, a closed loop natural cycle that produces power burning green trash (or as the founder recommended, bamboo) and outputs biochar based fertilizers as seen in the documentary Need To Grow. With far flung communities that pays the highest power rates, it makes no sense to fight nature in a place like Puna.