The Pahoa Community Center was filled today with some of the more well known names in the Hawaiian Community this morning as a discussion on “Hawaiian Perspectives on Geothermal Energy” took place.
The who's who of Puna packed into the Pahoa Community Center this morning.
The Pule (Opening Prayer) was given by former 5th District Councilwoman Emily Naeole.
Kale Gumapac and Emily Naeole
The Sponsors of the event were:
- Kealoha Estate – Kuulei Cooper
- OHA Trustee – Bob Lindsey
- Innovations Development Group – Robbie Cabral
- Indigenous Consultant – Mililani B. Trask
- Aha Kanaka Moku o Keawe – Kale Gumapac
Patricia Brandt introduces the sponsors of the event
Patricia Brandt opened the panel by asking the following: “…But our question is – What has happened in the twenty years since then… what has benefited this community…?”
Considerations:
Geothermal resources belong to the native Hawaiian and the public. Under State law, these resources are “minerals” and are an assets of the ceded land trust. Private development of our trust resources has already pushed the cost up 487.5% (it cost 8 cents per kilowatt hour for geothermal electricity but HELCO/PGV costs incresase charges to 39 cents for the consumer) How can our energy resources be developed in a community-based way that is culturally appropriate, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable and clean?
Senator Hanohano and Mililani Trask touch basis before the discussion begin
Among the speakers and panelist were:
- Mililani B. Trask who’s message was stressed with “Lets not repeat past mistakes”.
- Kumu Hula Cy Bridges – “How do we balance traditional practice with modern trust obligations and community energy needs”
- Kuulei Cooper – “Why geothermal development can should support community projects like the Puna Community Park, an effort that has been ongoing for 28 years.
- OHA Trustee Bob Lindsey – Benefits (reventues) that come to Hawaiians & OHA from geothermal Royalties, protections for Wao Kele o Puna Forest.
- Kale Gumapac – “Why Hawaiians should be informed in and involved in development of their trust asstes, the need for Hawaiian development options, what are “community benefits?”
Mililani B. Trask opened up the discussion with a bit of an introduction about who the folks involved in the project are:
I wish I could have stayed for the entire meeting but I had prior commitments.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Puna, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Emily Naeole, Geothermal electricity, Hawaiian Land Assets, Hawaiian Perspectives on Geothermal Energy, Kilowatt hour, Mililani B. Trask, Native Hawaiian, Patricia Brandt, Puna Geothermal, Wao Kele O Puna | 4 Comments »
