The Kaua’i County Council has scheduled a public hearing Thursday, July 11 on a proposal by Mayor Maryanne Kusaka for a Kaua’i County Charter amendment for the council to establish a county power authority to operate a electricity utility. Once
The Kaua’i County Council has scheduled a public hearing Thursday, July 11 on a proposal by Mayor Maryanne Kusaka for a Kaua’i County Charter amendment for the council to establish a county power authority to operate a electricity utility.
Once the hearing, set during a council meeting Thursday, is held, the matter will be sent back to the council’s energy and public safety committee for review and possible action.
In late May, Kusaka sent a proposed resolution to the council which, if approved, would be put on the November general election ballot asking voters if the county should create the power authority.
Kaua’i Island Utility Co-op proposes to buy the utility from the seller, Citizens Communications of Stamford, Conn. for $215 million.
The state Public Utilities Commission must approve the sale before it becomes final.
Although the county has no plans to buy the Kaua’i Electric, the county must be ready to assume ownership if the present application for the sale is not approved, Kusaka said.
In a letter in May to Council Chairman Ron Kouchi, Kusaka noted the creation of the power authority would:
– Allow the council to respond with another local public ownership should the sale be denied.
– Allow the council to respond in the event Kaua’i Electric is sold to a co-op and the co-op cannot obtain or retain its nonprofit status to run the facility.
– Allow Kauaians to exercise their democratic rights on an issue that is of significant importance to them.
Kusaka also pointed out some of the highlights of her proposal:
– The power authority would operate separately from the county administration and the council.
– A board of seven directors would control and make policy for the authority.
– The board would fix rates, fees and charges, independent of the council and the PUC.
– The board could also issue bonds and other forms of indebtness to finance the acquisition, construction and improvements of utility facilities.
– All revenue fees are restricted to electric utility service. No funds will be sent to the county general fund.
