What Future Does Geothermal Energy Have in Isles?

Sen. Kalani English and Michael Kaleikini

We continue our discussion on geothermal energy on today’s Energy Futures program on Hawaii Public Radio. We heard last week that some in the Native Hawaiian community steadfastly object to its presence on the Big Island, home of one of their religion’s deities – volcano goddess Pele.

Increased geothermal production above the 30 megawatts from the existing plant will only happen after considerable dialogue within the entire community, including among Native Hawaiians who don’t share the views expressed last week.

One of them is native Hawaiian Michael Kaleikini, plant manager for Puna Geothermal Venture. He’ll be with us in the studio for today’s Energy Futures show, and he’ll be joined by State Senator Kalani English, also of part-Hawaiian ancestry. English is vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee.

Today’s show will be “live” on KIPO-FM (89.3 in Hawaii) and also streamed on the Internet at 5 pm HST (11 pm EDT).