LIHU‘E — With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. The decisions the KIUC
LIHU‘E — With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative.
The decisions the KIUC board of directors makes this year will affect the future of renewable energy for Kaua‘i and the local economy through the effects on energy costs for residents and businesses.
Nine co-op members are competing for three three-year seats on the board of directors in this year’s election.
To help introduce these candidates to the community, The Garden Island posed six questions to each. A different candidate’s responses are being published each day from Feb. 23 to March 2.
KIUC will mail member ballots on March 5. The deadline for members to cast their votes is March 24.
A co-op member can become an election candidate in one of two ways: by being selected by the KIUC Nominating Committee to run or by submitting to the committee a petition with 35 signatures from co-op members in the community.
This year’s KIUC Nominating Committee is chaired by KIUC board director Peter Yukimura and includes Catherine Chandler, Charles Kawakami, Michael Murakoshi and Sherman Shiraishi, who are all KIUC-selected co-op members from the community, KIUC spokeswoman Shelley Paik said.
In addition to second-term incumbents Steve Rapozo and Stewart “Stu” Burley, the Nominating Committee selected Lesther Calipjo, Joel Guy and Calvin Murashige for the ballot.
Candidates running by member petition include Joanne Georgi, Ken Stokes, Pat Gegen and Karen Baldwin.
TGI requested that the responses be limited to 100 words.
Q: Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Directors?
A: I get asked this question every day and the best way for me to put it is this: Having spent my whole life on Kaua‘i, I want to be of service to this island more than anything else. KIUC is the best way for me to help the most people on Kaua‘i. Electricity affects everyone on the island, and my unique experience in the energy field brings a fresh perspective much needed on the KIUC board.
Q: Why do you believe you are the best choice for the board?
A: I worked under the leadership of Rep. (Hermina) Morita while she was chair of the state Legislature’s Energy and Environmental Protection Committee, prior to becoming PUC chair. I know the importance of a consensus among constituency and have the communication skills to achieve this goal.
As a life-long resident of Kaua‘i and community leader, I understand the importance of strong community engagement. I will listen to members before making decisions that directly affect you and your environment. We may not always agree, but I will always consider your perspectives and you will always know how I reached my decisions.
Q: What should KIUC do to improve its services to members?
A: Everything it can. As president of the Hanalei-to-Haena Community Association, my life has been committed to growing a healthy island community. We need to learn from our mistakes and work with our members to create a stronger co-op. There are so many wonderful member resources on this island. We need to elect a director who has the ability to build bridges and strengthen its members’ involvement. It is clear I will be able to reach a much broader demographic than the current KIUC board.
Q: What should KIUC do to help members reduce energy costs?
A: We should look at salary structures that incentivize KIUC leadership to lower your energy cost. The lower the cost of power to members, the more money KIUC management will make.
We need to continue to strengthen our portfolio approach to supply-side generation. I would also like to get clear on KIUC’s budget for energy-efficiency programs. We need to put in place aggressive energy-efficiency goals and a board who will take steps to reach them. As we move away from fossil fuel and more members provide their own power, we must ensure we do not exclude anyone.
Q: If you could change one thing about the co-op, what would it be?
A: Lower the rates.
Q: Briefly, please describe your advanced education and most significant professional contributions that would be transferable to KIUC.
A: Working on monumental legislation such as the Barrel Tax and the solar Hot Water Heater Bill with Rep. Morita is a contribution no other KIUC board candidate can offer. I learned how to reach a consensus, and that will be a valuable asset to KIUC’s board.
Having owned and operated a restaurant on Kaua‘i with over 25 employees and a significant operating budget, I have a track record of success in this economic environment. We had a very clear understanding and commitment to utilizing local products that create a healthy economy for the island and jobs that support families.
To learn more about the candidates, the public is encouraged to attend the following free event:
• The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce and Lihu‘e Business Association will co-host a forum at 7:30 a.m. Thursday in Room 106 of the Office of Continuing Education and Training at Kaua‘i Community College.
Readers can also find forum coverage in an upcoming edition of The Garden Island.
• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 251, or by emailing vvanvoorhis@thegardenisland.com.
