Noise, odors blamed on geothermal valve

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

POHOIKI, Hawai'i — A valve malfunction during a 4:30 a.m. steam release at Puna Geothermal Venture yesterday led to noisy and smelly venting from the plant.

The incident, which lasted about 30 minutes, drew the attention of police and fire officials. "I apologize for alarming our neighbors with the noise," said Barry Mizuno, the owner's representative.

Mizuno blamed a faulty valve and said the section of piping including the valve has closed until repairs can be been made and a thorough inspection conducted.

State and county regulators were notified of the problem, as required under the installation's operation permits, Mizuno said.

The problem, restricted to Kapoho State 11 well, did not affect Hawaii Electric Light Co. service. However, the utility reported that 2,103 customers lost service for nearly two hours Friday night when a problem at a 60,000-volt substation caused an interruption from Pa'auilo to Honoka'a 7:31 p.m.