LEILANI ESTATES, Hawaii – Leilani Estates resident Sofia Wilt, who lives within a mile of the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant, finds herself in a tough situation.

Wilt has only recently become vocal about the geothermal operation following her experience during Hurricane Iselle. Wilt believes gases vented from the plant during an emergency steam release knocked her unconscious.

On February 4th, Wilt testified at the Hawaii County Council on resolutions preventing Puna Geothermal Venture from conducting around-the-clock drilling. Those resolutions failed.

In 2012, Wilt applied for geothermal relocation funds in order to facilitate a move away from the shadow of PGV. She was next in line on the list when the program was suddenly suspended. However, in order to maintain her eligibility to access the funds, Wilt must remain a full time resident on the property.

The video interview with Wilt posted above was filmed in early February. Just a few days ago, Wilt joined Puna resident Jon Olson as a plaintiff in the lawsuit filed against PGV by Puna Pono Alliance. The group is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from the courts to stop Puna Geothermal’s nighttime drilling. The complaint was also amended to include the County of Hawaii as a defendant.

DOCUMENT: Amended Complaint (via Puna Pono Alliance)

NEWS ARCHIVE: Puna Geothermal Venture