A company operating a geothermal plant on the Big Island is taking steps to reduce noise.
    
An official with Ormat Technologies, the company operating Puna Geothermal Ventures, told West Hawaii Today it will install more sound barriers the next time a well is constructed.  Ormat's Paul Thomsen says a muffler also will be placed around a truck-mounted drill to be used for well maintenance next month.
    
The noise reduction measures come after neighbors complained that 24-hour-a-day drilling from March through July was keeping them awake.
    
A public hearing will be held Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility on a bill before the County Council that would prohibit geothermal drilling at night.