The idea of Kaua’i citizens having ownership and control over the island electric generating power plant is a good one and we the island citizens should rise to support any efforts to bring a plan to fruition. For the island
The idea of Kaua’i citizens having ownership and control over the island electric generating power plant is a good one and we the island citizens should rise to support any efforts to bring a plan to fruition. For the island citizenry who opposes the KIUC buy-out proposal, I cannot in good faith support your call to kill the KIUC without an alternative solution in place. To simply say “we need to rid the island of fossil dependency” is simply not pono.
To publicly declare that the KIUC buy-out plan of KE is financially risky, weak and not pono is an expression of one opinion. Kaua’i citizens have the fundamental responsibility to offer help if the risk is high. I wonder how many electric consumers had taken time to offer Kokua to the KIUC. The larger island populace deserves better then watching a small group of respected intellects over television yelling “foul” we need to start over. Why is it we have island folks who prefer to sit on your neighbor’s fence like “fence peckers” and wait for the right moment to tear down someone else hard work? If you care enough then I suggest we make every attempt to try fixing or improve on what already is in place. It’s called process?
The history of how and why the KIUC was formed is well documented for over two years and records are available I’m sure, through the KIUC. So I’m wondering however, where was everybody during this two-year period? Who are we to blame?
Clearly, if the opposition stands against the KIUC buy-out plan then this group must rise to the challenge and offer its own version to a plan and demonstrate its financing package so other people can take shots at it at the same time. Scrutinizing other people hard work without support from the larger community can really get old. Hawaiians call this “take care your own kuleana.”
The KIUC meanwhile, is working to meet its due diligence obligation against Citizens Utility and I surmise the KIUC Board urgency to get community consensus quickly is in dire need, about now. Now is the time to respond and get involved with the process. We have a great opportunity to improve the mainframe of the KIUC and we should help where can.
We should not wait to start over. I firmly believe the larger island citizenry prefers positive outlay instead of the old “alimihi” crab in the bucket syndrome.
The difference is in the deliverables. 100% financing supports the KIUC plan. The present KIUC Board members are willing to standup to what they believe is pono and I can aloha them for that. We cannot simply discount their hard work and accomplishments (and make palu) because we are having a disagreement. For the opposition to simply say 30,000 Kaua’i electric customers can convert from fossil to alternate energy is not impractical at this time. It takes time. If Kaua’i is ever to remain malia (calm) it will require the leadership on both sides of the KE buy-out issue to meet and ho’oponopono. Ask a Hawaiian to help.
James Torio, Anahola
