Support geothermal
Support geothermal
I am a resident of Hawaii for over 30 years and I support the development of additional geothermal energy on our islands.
This alternative energy will benefit the people Hawaii and when generated and initiated in a safe and well monitored process, it will prove to be an economically feasible option to our currently prevalent oil based energy. I have toured a geothermal plant in New Zealand. The geothermal company there had the blessing and encouragement of the local people and it was perceived as a gift of nature and not contentious toward cultural sensitivities. Its benefits were shared by the indigenous people and the other residents as well.
I have followed geothermal use in Iceland and Icelanders utilize this wonderful resource with intelligence and exclusively for the benefit of their people.
In rural areas of Japan and New Zealand, volcanic steam vents are used for cooking food. This symbiosis is so natural. It is unfortunate that here, modern interpretation of cultural contention is viewed in a very singular manner without variation in perspective, perhaps where the association of culture and geothermal can be mutually beneficial.
Arlene Buklarewicz
Volcano
Geothermal concerns
The promise of lower cost in electricity through geothermal has been almost 30 years in the making and still no relief in sight for those who actually use HELCO’s services!
The current geothermal plant is located in an area where the majority of residents are not even on the grid. Yet these same residents must endure the noise, lights and pollutants from the “blow-offs” that regularly occur!
What are the injections doing to our groundwater? On an island riddled with lava tubes, what are the guarantees that the chemicals injected into the earth are not following tubes elsewhere … such as the pollutants now appearing in green lake or even down to the ocean?
Also notice in the percentages quoted in the article, there are no references to the electricity provided by solar! We live in a state that has the most sunshine in the nation, yet solar has been put on the back burner. Why?
Expansion of the geothermal on the Big Island is set for a cable installation under the ocean all the way to Oahu! How does that benefit the residents of Hawaii? We are surrounded by ocean; that is a fact. Yet there is no substantial move to wave generated electricity over there on Oahu. Why?
How clean is geothermal? How safe is it? Why are we putting all our eggs in one basket?
There are too many questions that need to be answered before moving forward with geothermal.
Susan Rosier
Pahoa