Posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2001

Puna Geothermal hit with suit

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — A California drilling consultant is suing Puna Geothermal Venture for $270,000 in unpaid bills and interest.

Attorney Diana Van De Car of Hilo filed the lawsuit on behalf of William R. Rickard, who lives Palm Desert, Calif., and his firm, Geothermal Resources Group Inc., a Nevada corporation.

Barry Mizuno of Puna Geothermal characterized the legal action as a "contract dispute." He said the lawsuit covers drilling involving Rickard in 1999 when there was a breakdown in the consulting agreement.

Mizuno yesterday denied the lawsuit indicates the company is experiencing financial problems.

Puna Geothermal has begun planning to double its production from 30 megawatts to 60 megawatts. The first eight megawatts are expected to be added in 2002. The $130 million Puna Geothermal plant, which taps underground volcanic sources, produces about 25 percent of the Big Island's electrical needs under an agreement with Hawai'i Electric Light Co.