Opponents cite the numerous health and safety problems experienced by an experimental state-run plant that closed in 1989 , notably including toxic hydrogen sulfide gas emissions . A separate plant ( Puna Geothermal Venture ) went online in 1993 in Puna 's Lower East Rift Zone and continued to generate 25 – 30 megawatts of electricity The natural increase in hydrogen sulfide and volcanic ash emissions due to volcanic activity within the Kilauea caldera at times produces sufficient vog to affect breathing on the nearby island of Maui . until it was closed in May 2018 due to intrusion of lava from the 2018 lower Puna eruption
2018 lower Puna eruption
2018 lower Puna eruption
Wao Kele o Puna