LIHU‘E — Dennis Esaki will return to the board of directors of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Esaki, one of only two nominated candidates, was selected by members at a regular KIUC board meeting last week to fill the vacancy
LIHU‘E — Dennis Esaki will return to the board of directors of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative.
Esaki, one of only two nominated candidates, was selected by members at a regular KIUC board meeting last week to fill the vacancy created when Saburo “Sab” Yoshioka officially resigned May 31, nearly two months after he was deemed to be in violation of new KIUC, antinepotism by-laws.
Esaki will serve the remainder of Yoshioka’s three-year term.
After some discussion on process, KIUC board Chairman Gregg Gardiner opened the floor to nominations. Board member Ron Kouchi nominated Esaki, who had previously served on the board, and was a high vote-getter in member board elections.
Esaki was an original member of KIUC’s first elected board of nine directors in 2003. He resigned midway through his term to devote more time to business and family concerns.
He said he was looking forward to coming back, and helping KIUC move forward.
Board member Susan Stayton nominated Rohit Mehta, managing director of the Princeville Community Association.
Both candidates were praised by board members for their qualities and breadth of knowledge. The actual vote count was not announced. Neither Esaki nor Mehta were present during this process, but Esaki was summoned later, after his selection became official.
Kouchi said Esaki brought experience, commitment, and know-how to the job.
Esaki is also a certified director, having completed a series of training courses sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Such courses are mandatory for new board members who have not already undergone such training.
Stayton praised Mehta’s intellect and education, and his background in international industries. She said it would be a good opportunity to put someone on the board of his credentials who might not have the name recognition to get elected to the board.
Stayton said Mehta did run in the last election, and did not get voted into a seat.
“I think Dennis has a better chance to win, but I am honor-bound to put his name forward,” she said.
Both Stayton and Kouchi expressed respect and admiration for each other’s nominees.
Gardiner said the board had two very good candidates to choose from, but pointed out Esaki’s relevant credentials and his familiarity with all things KIUC as distinct advantages.
David Proudfoot, board attorney, said Esaki attended the meeting about 45 minutes after he was selected and, according to board procedures, he executed a document attesting he was eligible to serve.
Esaki was then seated as the ninth board member.
All the directors expressed interest in having Mehta involved in some capacity with either ongoing or future KIUC initiatives.
Esaki is the owner of Esaki Surveying & Mapping, Inc., a civil-engineering and land-surveying firm.
The board members are Gardiner, chair, term expiring March, 2006; Kouchi, vice chair, term expiring March, 2006; Raymond W. Paler, secretary, term expiring March, 2007; and members Stayton, term expiring March, 2006; Dee M. Crowell and Jim Mayfield, terms expiring March, 2007; and Esaki, Teofilo “Phil” Tacbian and Peter Yukimura, terms expiring March, 2008.
