HILO, Hawaii: A forum exploring geothermal, and the role of biomass in Hawaii Energy Independence, has been scheduled for Saturday, August 27th.

Kaniu Stocksdale of ETA1 Hawaii issued this media release:

For 18 years, after some initial controversy, Hawai‘i Island has been producing geothermal energy pretty consistently and pretty quietly. Now, geothermal has been thrust onto the statewide stage as the possible keystone of Hawai‘i’s energy independence.

To get a clear picture of geothermal’s promise, along with a brief discussion on biomass, which Hawai‘i’s utility companies have historically purchased from local sugar mills, the “Homegrown Energy Forum” will bring together specialists to look at the potentials and pitfalls.

The free forum is open to the public, Saturday, Aug. 27 at Hawai‘i County’s Aupuni Center conference room from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“There’s such renewed interest in geothermal, along with a lot of talk about whether it’s OK or not,” said Kaniu Stocksdale of ETA1 Hawaii, coordinator of the forum. “Getting these experts to the table gives us a chance to get their mana‘o and educate the community.”

Panelists will each give brief remarks, keeping the bulk of the forum open for questions from the audience.

Participants include:

Michael Kaleikini, manager of Puna Geothermal Venture, Hawai‘i’s only operating geothermal producer; Kaleikini has 20 years experience in geothermal operations.

Richard Ha of Hamakua Springs Country Farms and Wally Ishibashi of the ILWU Local 142, who are co-chairs of the County’s Geothermal Working Group.

Don Thomas, Ph.D., Director of the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes at the University of Hawai‘i – Hilo. Thomas has been involved in geothermal studies since the beginning of Hawai‘i’s exploration more than 30 years ago.

Robert Rapier, Merica International’s Chief Technology Officer, a biofuels specialist, focused on localized use of biomass-to-energy.

Kristine Kubat, Moku Power, which seeks to use PowerTube technology for geothermal energy distribution. Founding member of HELCO’s citizen’s advisory group and a long-time grassroots activist.

Kekuhi Kealiikanakaoleohaililani, Kumu Hula, program coordinator for Hawaiian Lifestyles at Hawai’i Community College, and executive director of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation.

Jay Ignacio, president of Hawai‘i Electric Light Company; Ignacio has over 15 years of engineering experience.

There will also be representatives from the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission, HECO, and Ormat Technologies of Reno, NV.

No reservation is needed.