HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0354.023 2024-2026P /CgCCC,
0OW-n14
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:09 AM
To: Everyday Hawaii808
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE: Geothermal
From: Everyday Hawaii808
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 2:11 PM
Subject: Geothermal
Subject: Deep Concerns Regarding Geothermal Development and its Impact on Native Hawaiian
Rights and Sacred Lands
Aloha County council,
I am writing to you today as a Native Hawaiian, a descendant of the first peoples of these islands, to
express my profound opposition and deep concerns regarding ongoing and proposed geothermal
-development in Hawaii. My concerns stem not only from environmental and health perspectives, but
more importantly, from the inherent spiritual and cultural connections my people have to this `aina (land)
and the sacred elements within it.
For generations, our ali`i (chiefs) and kupuna (elders) have taught us that Hawaii is more than just a
place; it is a living entity, imbued with mana (spiritual power) and sustained by the intricate balance of
nature. Pelehonuamea, the goddess of volcanoes and fire, is not a resource to be harnessed, but a
revered ancestor, a manifestation of the very life force of our islands. To drill into her sacred body, to
exploit her heat for commercial gain, is an act of profound disrespect and desecration. It is an affront to
our most deeply held spiritual beliefs and practices. Comm. No
Ref. To:
Ref. Date ' 8 2025
The proposed and existing geothermal projects are often situated in areas that are ecologically sensitive
and culturally significant. We have already witnessed the environmental degradation, including air and
water quality issues, that can accompany these operations. The potential for further pollution, seismic
activity, and disruption to delicate ecosystems is a risk we cannot afford to take, especially when our
traditional way of life and the health of our communities are at stake.
Furthermore, the process of geothermal development has often marginalized Native Hawaiian voices
and undermined our inherent rights to self-determination and the protection of our ancestral lands.
Despite legal and moral obligations, our input is frequently dismissed, and projects move forward
without true Free, Prior, and Informed Consent from the affected Indigenous communities. This
perpetuates a historical pattern of disenfranchisement and exploitation that we, as kanaka maoli,
continue to resist.
Our culture, our language, and our very identity are intrinsically linked to the health and sanctity of our
Lands. Allowing further geothermal expansion not only threatens the physical environment but also
erodes the spiritual and cultural fabric that binds us as a people. We must prioritize the long-term well-
being of our islands and future generations over short-term economic gains. There are other paths to
sustainable energy that do not demand such a heavy cost to our cultural heritage and sacred sites.
I urge you to reconsider the current approach to energy development in Hawaii and to engage in genuine,
respectful dialogue with Native Hawaiian communities. We ask that you honor our ancestral ties to this
Land, protect our sacred sites, and prioritize truly sustainable solutions that align with the values and
traditions of our host culture.
Mahalo nui Loa for your time and consideration of these critical issues.
Me ka `oia`i`o (With sincerity),
Kathleen Pai