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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0354.017 2024-2026P CRCAC, mil. 35q TESTIMONY IN STRONG OPPOSITION TO GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT IN KA`U Submitted by: Wanda Louis July 7, 2025 o ` (7) C To: Chairperson, Members of the County Council o V ©-< Re: Opposition to Proposed Geothermal Development in Kalae, Ka`n 20 =r- Aloha kakou, -- w --- My name is Wanda Louis. I was born and raised in Ka`u. Though I do not live in Ka`u, my Family's as well as My Kuleana is to continue in caring and preserving Ka`u. I also belong to E Pa`a Ka`u. We have always been guided by our Kupuna to perpetuate and preserve the generational knowledge handed down from our Kupuna 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 sacred land of Tutu Me, 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. 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`n — individuals who have falsified their connections and histories while disrespecting our kupuna and true generational families. 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 PASH Act and Native Hawaiian rights. Comm. N l7 Ref. To: Ref. Date JUL - go 2025 This geothermal proposal was never properly brought before all the communities of Ka`u. Mr. Aki 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 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. Wanda Louis �?�,rn& X X.^-- Ka`u Native & Member of E Pa`a Ka`u auntywans(@yahoo.com 808-895-2172