HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0710.103 2010-2012 August 1, 2012
Good Morning Councilmen and Councilwomen,
My name is John Tucker and I reside at 13-3315 Makamae St. Pahoa, Hi. My home is located in
the Leilani Estates subdivision and I am co-owner of Hale Makamae Bed &Breakfast. I he
resided here for almost 15 years. I am a registered & active voter in County Council District 5.
I am here today to testify my opposition of the County Councils attempt to override Mayoin
Kenoi's veto of Bill 256.
I believe this bill is ill conceived and without merit and perhaps a political ploy.
So far as my research and my own living experience, I cannot find any evidence to support
health problems due to the geothermal plant. I have not suffered any health affects whatsoever
due to the geothermal plant (PGV) located less than one mile from my home and business. There
is not a shred of empirical evidence to support health claims made by others. My wife, children
and I have had no unusual maladies of which many have claimed. My children have lived here
since birth. I would be in support of a comprehensive health study to put this to rest once and for
all. I believe it should be considered before any bill goes into effect.
The health and safety buffer is also without merit. The PGV suffered a large blow out in 1991.
Many have claimed health problems because of it, yet no health professional has confirmed these
health problems were brought about due to exposure and laid them at the foot of the geothermal
plant.
The technology since that time has been vastly improved. The plant is under the most stringent
emission controls levels of any geothermal plant in the entire world. Nearly all of Iceland's
energy is derived from geothermal production and has no safety buffers around there plants and
has higher emission control release levels including open atmospheric release than the PVG with
no health problems to its population.
The buffer will have a devastating effect on the properties in the area, create dead zones of
vacant homes and businesses, reduced property valves of homes near it and greatly reduce the
county's tax base and income.
The State of Hawaii has already expressed its desire to promote alternative sources of energy of
which geothermal is an abundant source to help reduce our dependency on fossil fuel and bring
lower energy cost to all.
I urge the council to consider this override very carefully and do not vote to override. I believe
that if you pass this override you will be faced with a myriad of unintended consequences for the
communities involved as well as legal action for the Council.
Al ha and Mahalo,
J Tucker
13-3315 Makamae St.
Pahoa, Hi 96778 ��
Comm. N�
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