Puna Geothermal takes first steps toward recovery

The executives of Puna Geothermal Venture certainly have to tread carefully as they take their first tentative steps toward re-establishing its energy plant on Hawaii island, production halted by the same volcanic forces that it taps.

The Kilauea eruption over the spring and summer covered the roads and blocked access. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim has granted the permit needed to clear vegetation and do grading for a road to the site.

Liability issues need to be worked out, officials said. It’s a risky business, but one that has nudged Hawaii island toward energy self-sufficiency.

Drive up and mail your packages

Does your to-do list for this week-before-Christmas include mailing holiday gifts and avoiding long lines? If so, you may want to check out “Rudolph’s Express Shipping Shack” and drive-by prepaid package drop-off tent at the post office near the Honolulu airport.

At the festive shack, customers can bypass the lobby line to mail up to three domestic items and purchase Forever stamps, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Customers who’ve paid for and printed out their postage at USPS.com, can drive up to the tent and drop off packages without getting out of their cars, noon to 6 p.m. through Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday.