Neither Puna Pono Alliance or Puna Geothermal Venture accept resolution

HILO – On Tuesday, the Hawaii County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water And Energy Sustainability met to discuss the contentious geothermal issue of nighttime drilling.

Resolution 89-15, introduced by Councilwoman Margaret Wille, included a provision that Puna Geothermal Venture “will agree not to drill on weekends so that the community would have some scheduled breaks from the constant drilling noise”. It also asks Puna Pono Alliance to drop its lawsuit on the matter.

Robert Petricci, representating the Puna Pono Alliance, testified against the measure. The organization has initiated litigation against the county and the geothermal company over the drilling.

Former Mayor Harry Kim also testified against the resolution. Video below.

Wille’s resolution did not have the support of Puna Geothermal Venture, either. The company’s director of Hawaiian Affairs, Mike Kaleikini, testified.

Wille decided to withdraw her resolution.