Abstract :
Opposition to Hawaii´s geothermal program, which is coming not only from the usual citizens´ and environmental groups, but also from worshippers of a native god and, it has been alleged, growers of marijuana, is discussed. The clash occurs just as geothermal power sources have finally proven commercially viable. The most effective opposition to the project has been mounted by local residents and environmentalists with two main concerns: damage to the Wao Kele O Puna rain forest-one of a very few in the United States-in which some of the facilities would have to be built; and noise and gases, particularly hydrogen sulfide, emitted by the plant.<>
