Hawaiian Heritage and Geothermal Energy: A Cultural Clash

In this episode, Co-host Carry Kim speaks with Terri Napeahi, a Native Hawaiian advocate and founder of the Keaukaha Action Network, about the significant health, cultural, and environmental impacts of geothermal energy development in Hawai’i. Terri shares her personal journey and the ongoing struggles of the Native Hawaiian community against industrial practices that threaten their lands and traditions. Join us for a powerful discussion on the intersection of Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and the fight for a sustainable future. Support the Podcast via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url There is a global push and narrative around “clean, renewable energy.” Anyone who has advocated on the frontlines knows that renewable energy is far from being 100% clean or without consequence, particularly to Indigenous people or people of color who tend to be on the receiving end of the aftermath and health risks of renewable energy sources such as geothermal may pose. Every energy source bears environmental risk whether to our air, soil, water, the sacred lands of original Indigenous peoples or the totality of beings of nature, especially those nearly invisible to us. Who benefits and who suffers in this assault upon air, water, soil and living beings? The expense is high for all of us. Terri Napeahi, Native Hawaiian grassroots organizer and advocate for her people, highlights concerns around the expansion of geothermal energy in Hawai’i as well as issues of corporate influence and fasttracking projects without proper regard for the health and safety of current and future generations of life. For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio RESOURCES Terri Napeahi is a Native Hawaiian raised in Keaukaha Hawaiian Home Lands in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She is the founder of Keaukaha Action Network, now helping to revitalize the Pele Defense Fund. Terri's advocacy began in her own community, after hearing that Hawaiians hold the highest percentages of health, income, and welfare disparities in their own home. She has a BBA in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Business and Economics, and currently works as a Planner in the Regulatory Division for the County of Hawai'i Planning Department. Carry Kim, Co-Host of EcoJustice Radio. An advocate for ecosystem restoration, Indigenous lifeways, and a new humanity born of connection and compassion, she is a long-time volunteer for SoCal350, member of Ecosystem Restoration Camps, and a co-founder of the Soil Sponge Collective, a grassroots community organization dedicated to big and small scale regeneration of Mother Earth. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Intro: Jack Eidt Hosted by Carry Kim Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 273