HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0354.004 2024-2026P CRCC C,
COV. 35y
From: Wai'ala Ahn
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:59 AM u,
c71)
CDC-)
To: Council Testimony C_
C:�
Subject: Opposition to Waika Consulting, and the continued desecration of Pele
J
o�
Aloha county council members,
TTC,:
am Wai'ata Ahn a former resident of Lani Puna Gardens, Pohoiki and one of longest/closest gide-nts
3
of
PGV until my'ohana was relocated by the state through the geothermal relocation fund; and I am
reaching out in opposition of Waika Consulting (and their pro-geo agenda/presentation tomorrow
7/8)
and the initiative to promote and push geothermal energy across Hawai'i island.
As a former resident of lower Puna, a kanaka maoti (native Hawaiian), a mother, keiki o ka `aina of Hawaii
Nei, Pete practitioner, and someone whose lived first hand experience the reality of geothermal energy
here on Hawaii (which isn't done like it is done here anyone where else in the world), I adamantly
opposed any pro gro agenda; relating to geo exploration, for Health and Safety Reasons, for Cultural and
sacrilegious reasons, for EnvironmentaUecologicaUconservation reasons, and finally for the
lack/negligence of cooperate agency PGV/state/government follow through/transparency or regulation in
regards to health/safety concerns/recommendations presented by the EPA in the 90's more with 19
actions needed for community safety that were NEVER implemented! that a third party report on toxic
gases/contaminants from the drilled wells/ponds/etc were still and are still in use, even after 30 years.
When all other geothermal operations retire wells after 20-25 years per safety/regulation. Also, that there
still isn't proper monitoring or a community monitoring system with alarms/text/notification for
concerned citizens. Even after countless lawsuits, settlements, medical records, and deaths.
The state/government and the foreign cooperation who own/operate PGV need to do their due -diligence
for the community, and environment by implementing the previous safety recommendations made by
third parties like the EPA, they need to do listen/accommodate the concern community and
organizations that have dedicated their lives to protecting lower Puna and Hawai'i Nei from the
devastating and tragic realities of geothermal in Hawai'i; before any occupying entity asks for
any exploratory drilling on this island or across Hawai'i Nei. The health and safety concerns of the past
30+ years have never been adequately addressed or a go faith effort put into working with the community
on the damage that's already been done - which is an exhaustive list that no one should have to
traumatically live again by havingto repeat them over and over again at each county council/senate
meeting or court room to get people to listen to our concerns and implement action. The legacy of
Geothermal in Hawai'i is divisive, tragic, mobilizing and steeped in dangerous extractive capitalism that
has and will continue to turn communities against one another for a false "Green future" that has already
costed the land, people, environment and culture so much - all for the price for a few megawatts that
shut off when the grid goes down, but that wouldn't shut off during the 2018 eruption, endangering the
community even though the plant is by law/design/regulation supposed to be shut off during increased
earth quake activitie - not to mention the toxic/explosive gases that went un-accounted for during 2018
and during the whole timeline of operation. Why isn't there more transparency and notification for
cornerning issues? Due to this short list of concerns condensed here, and many many more unsaid by
myself and others, I strongly oppose geothermal exploration or any other bills or agendas in regards to
i Gomm.
Ref.To:
ReL Date '
i
geothermal exploration/expansion now or in the future. Geothermal has become an example of asking or
paying for forgiveness versus asking for permission in the past. Nows the opportunity for permission to
be denied and not extended in anyway until previous and current health/safety, environmental and
cultural concerns are met.
I urge you with the voice of my ancestors, `ohana and community and for the health and safety for our
keiki futures to Oppose Geothermal. Due diligence must be done before this agenda is ever even
entertained. Mahalo for your time and consideration, please listen to the people who have been
pleading, fighting and standing for over 30+years to protect Hawai'i Nei.
Sincerely,
Wai'ala Ahn
r