HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0421.082 2012-2014 Council Testimony
From: Steven Jacquier <stevenjacquier @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 10:33 AM
To: counciltestimony @co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Testimony on Bill 129 before full Council at 9am on 020CT2013
Dear Council Members
"Thank you for considering the long-term well being of our community in your decisions. Our
children and grandchildren will live with the consequences of these decisions.
Regarding energy and jobs on the Big Island, developing the solar and biofuels industries has much
more benefit and far fewer negatives than geothermal fracturing. More jobs spread out across the
whole island, better reliability, low probability of massive disasters- the odds favor solar and
biofuels rather than geothermal fracturing in Lava Zone 1 & 2 when you gamble everything on one
decision. This is a gamble and the stakes are potentially not just Puna, but also Hilo and even Kona.
Geothermal hydraulic fracturing has been linked to earthquakes. Drilling in hotspots has resulted in
crews being evacuated by helicopter while lava spurted up at the drill site; Hilo and Kona are not
immune. Injecting millions of gallons of chemical solutions deep into hot porous strata has
poisoned water tables and resulted in toxic steam coming up many miles away from the injection
sites. The negatives are huge for geothermal drilling and fracturing. We have other, better, options
which benefit the people as a whole in the long term rather than a select few (most of whom live
elsewhere) in the short term.
Your yes vote on Bill 129 will move us closer to energy self-sufficiency in Hawaii, avoid potential
massive problems later, and be regarded with gratitude by future generations as a clear
demonstration of mature wisdom rather than a venal sell-out.
I I'you have not yet seen this video on the issues then I recommend it: Q
"Power in Paradise 1B: Geothermal Injustice - Corporations and Culture" w �
Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om2DNe4Ez84
w
I urge you to please support Bill 129.
Sincerely,
Steven Jacquier Os _
Comm. No. °14 • 8'2--
Ref.
1 Ref. Date OCT 0 2 2013