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Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:08 AM
To: Obed Hooper
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE: Geothermal
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From: Obed Hooper
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 2:00 PM
Subject: Geothermal
To county council:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to any geothermal development
in Kau. As a resident of this community and a steward of this land, I believe
geothermal energy projects in this region threaten our environment, cultural
heritage, and rural way of life.
Ka`u is not just another spot on the map to be exploited for energy —it is one of
the last places on Hawaii Island that has remained relatively untouched by
large-scale industrial development. Our community values our `aina, our water,
and the deep cultural significance of this land. Geothermal drilling risks
disrupting all of these. It threatens native ecosystems, sacred sites, and natural
resources that are essential to the identity and sustainability of our
community. 3u�
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Furthermore, geothermal development has a well -documented history of
community harm in Puna —harm that includes toxic emissions, noise pollution,
and lack of transparency. We have not forgotten the lessons learned there. KAI
should not be forced to relive those same consequences under the banner of
"clean energy," especially when we have had no meaningful say in these
decisions.
True sustainability respects not just the earth's resources, but the people and
places who live closest to them. Geothermal in Ka`u is not community -based,
and it is not pono.
I urge you to reject any geothermal exploration or development proposals in
Ka`u. Our district deserves to choose its own path toward a sustainable
future —one rooted in aloha `aina, not extraction.
Sincerely,
Obed Hooper Jr.
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