Report from Hawaii's Puna Rainforest
By Bruce Harlow
October 24, 1991
On the Big Island of Hawaii the fiery, red lava of the volcano
rolls into the boiling ocean down the slope from the Puna
rainforest. From the depths of the rainforest, seeds from the
pioneer plants fly onto the new black lava, taking root. It is
because of these pioneer plants that this lava rock can be turned
into topsoil. In 150 years, a young rainforest will be
established. Without the forest, the lava would lay bare for
centuries. This is the life process of Hawaii.
What is left of the once extensive Big Island rainforest, one of
the last tropical rainforests in the United States, is now a much
smaller area. Until recently, the forest was designated as a
reserve. But now private corporations are dozing roads and
clearing drill sites for a geothermal energy project. The first
of twenty power plants, located just below the forest, is on the
verge of beginning production despite the growing outrage of
native Hawaiians, the local community and international
ecologists.
Residents of the Big Island have reason to be concerned about the
danger of drilling holes into the most active volcano on Earth.
Respect for the power of nature has taken a back seat to profit
and politics. The fears became reality on midnight, June 12,
1991; as a geothermal well being drilled by Ormat Energy Systems
Inc. "blew out." For 31 hours, 180 lbs./hr. of hydrogen sulfide
and 13.6 lbs./hr. of lead were released, along with other heavy
metals, in a toxic cloud of suspended steam.
Residents within a one mile State Health Department and Ormat
designated "safety zone" were the only ones warned to evacuate.
Yet the cloud, heavier than air, sank down slope in the gentle
early morning tradewinds, inundating the communities of Lanipuna,
Opi 'ikau, Seaview, and Kahena.
The choking, noxious fumes caused severe headaches, nausea and
vomiting, respiratory problems, and strange rashes, especially on
children. The exposure seemed to lower people's immunity to
disease, and subsqently many illnesses developed in the coming
weeks.
One Hawaiian woman, four months pregnant, who lives just outside
the "safety zone", was exposed to the gases for 13 hours before
evacuation. She was very ill for the next three weeks, and then
miscarried. Despite these serious health effects, it has become
national policy to promote geothermal development as safe and
clean.
A less expensive and truly renewable alternative exists. Wind
power is now becoming a viable source of electricity for Europe.
Hawaii is rich in potential wind energy waiting to be harnessed.
Meanwhile, geothermal fields around the world are failing.
Earlier this year three activists, including myself, were
arrested for trying to stop the deliberate release of toxic gas
from a newly drilled well. Never in the State of Hawaii has a
case of "imminent danger" and "the lesser of evils" been won. We
feel our case was dismissed so as not to set a precedent.
In August, over 90 civil lawsuits were filed by residents of Puna
who were made ill. It is hoped that not only will they be
compensated for their injuries and property damage, but that this
would also slow down the project. Civil lawsuits such as these
have the advantage of receiving a jury trail. This seldom used
avenue is an effective tool for protecting ourselves, as well as
the environment.
Many native Hawaiians have been arrested for entering what was
once their forest. With a well supported and growing Hawaiian
sovereignty movement, expect to see great changes in the future.
Besides protecting their culture, they will preserve their lands.
Few people in America realize that Hawaii was its own sovereign
nation, invaded and overthrown by the United States in 1893. If
you go to Hawaii, help us to reestablish Hawaii as a center of
Peace in the center of the Pacific.
If you would like more information:
Aloha, Bruce Harlow
P.O.B. 1175
Pahoa, HI 96778