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TESTIMONY IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT IN
KA`U
Submitted by:
Sophia Hanoa
Traditional, Cultural Practitioner of E Pa`a Ka`u
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Ka', Hawaii
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July 7, 2025
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To: Chairperson, Members of the County Council
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Re: Opposition to Proposed Geothermal Development in Kalae, Ka`u
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Aloha kakou,
My name is Sophia Hanoa. I was born, raised, and still live in Ka`u. I am a
traditional cultural practitioner, a haumana of Laka, I also belong to our Tribe E
Pa`a Ka`u. We are guided by our Kupuna to perpetuate and preserve the
generational knowledge handed down from our Kupuna`s life experience and oral
history. Our purpose is to preserve the authenticity of Ka`u.
I submit this testimony in firm and absolute opposition to any geothermal
development at Kalae or anywhere on Hawaii Island. Ka`u is the sacred breast
of Tutu Pele, a living ancestor that nurtures all of us. To drill into her body is to
desecrate our `aina hanau and sever the sacred relationship ,between the land, the
people, and the culture of Ka`u.
Mama Ka`u has always provided for her people, from mauka to makai. Today, we
face restrictions on our ancestral gathering and farming rights by outside
developers and so-called non- profits conservation groups, which is against the
PASH ACT. Even worse, some of the leading local collaborators in this green
colonialism are only first- and second -generation residents of Ka`u —
individuals who have falsified their connections and histories while
disrespecting our kupuna and true generational families.
Our County Council representative Michelle Galimba has failed to represent
and communicate with the broader Ka`u community. While her family's cattle
roam freely on thousands of acres of ancestral land, Ka`u families are forced
to make reservations, sit on waiting lists, and follow arbitrary restrictions
if allowed access. This blocks our people from traditional gathering and
cultural practices — a violation of the DASH Act and Native Hawaiian rights.
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Ref. To: Ref. DateUL a �
This geothermal proposal was never properly brought before all the communities
of Ka`u. Mr. AM has publicly promoted himself on social media as a Hawaiian
who honors his culture — yet here he is supporting a project that desecrates
sacred `aina. We do not need another malihini coming to Ka`u to tell us who
we are and what is best for us. We have known who we are for generations.
There is no honor in drilling into our Tutu Pele. It is clear you have not walked
with kupuna nor learned the true `ike of this `aina.
DHHL is proposing to drill at Kalae, an ancient and culturally significant site,
while homesteaders there still wait for water access years after a tank was
built. Why hasn't that promise been fulfilled? And where is this
geothermal project getting its water from, when our families can't even
get theirs?
Geothermal development in Ka`u brings serious dangers:
• Desecration of sacred lands
• Contamination of groundwater
• Release of toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide
• Induced seismic disturbances
• Fencing off of cultural gathering sites
• Health threats to kamali`i and kupuna
I have 15 grandchildren, and it is my kuleana to protect this `aina for them.
Green colonialism is still colonialism, and it survives through local sellouts.
BLNR needs to be investigated for handing over our lands to outsiders
while our families are being shut out and our lifestyle destroyed.
I respectfully urge this council to reject any and all
geothermal proposals in Ka`u. Aloha `aina is not a slogan. It is our sacred
kuleana, and it must be defended.
Mahalo Nui for your consideration.
Sophia Hanoa
Ka`u Resident & Traditional Cultural Practitioner E Pa`a Ka`u
sophiahanoaCat-mail.com
808-756-7086