LIHU‘E — With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters all on the horizon, it’s arguably the most significant time in the history of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. The decisions the
LIHU‘E — With six small-scale hydroelectric projects, a 12-megawatt solar farm and an island-wide rollout of smart meters all 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 make this year will affect the future of renewable energy for Kaua‘i and the local economy.
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 Friday.
KIUC will mail member ballots on March 5. The deadline for members to cast their votes is March 24.
A co-op member may become an election candidate 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.
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.
Calvin Murashige answers TGI’s questions.
Q: Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I believe my legal training and work experiences can be of good use on the board. I spent a good portion of my career making decisions on behalf of the county as deputy prosecuting attorney and on behalf of my clients as an attorney in private practice. The last 11 years of my career, I served as a judge and, as such, had to absorb all of the facts being presented and make decisions based upon facts. While some decisions were more difficult than others, I made those decisions with full knowledge of the consequences of my actions.
Q: Why do you believe you are the best choice for the board?
All of the candidates in this election believe that he or she is qualified to serve as a director and to make the necessary decisions on behalf of the members of KIUC. There are many factors to consider before any decision can be made by the board. I bring no agenda to this election except to be a good listener, to consider all viable options available, and to make such decisions that will best serve the members.
Q: What should KIUC do to improve its services to members?
“Services” can refer many things. KIUC is in the business of providing reliable energy to members. It needs to explore all means of reducing electricity costs. In its strategic plan, KIUC seeks to increase renewable energy sources and reduce its dependence upon fossil fuel by 50 percent by 2023. KIUC should consider alternate sources of energy at a low cost, financially and environmentally.
Services can also refer to educating members about ways to reduce monthly electricity costs. KIUC’s magazine, Currents, informs members about ways to lower electrical consumption, and provides other information it should pass on to members.
Q: What should KIUC do to help members reduce energy costs?
I read Currents on a regular basis ,and I find that it provides viable suggestions on how to reduce energy costs. I have a solar water heater, a timer on the heater for those days when there is not enough sunshine and CFLs throughout the house. We also consciously turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and rely more upon fans than air conditioners to cool down the house.
Q: If you could change one thing about the co-op, what would it be?
I cannot think of any one item at this time that I would consider changing. That is not to say that KIUC could not or should not be improved. I believe that it is a mandate for every director to explore ways of making KIUC better.
Q: Briefly, please describe your advanced education and most significant professional contributions that would be transferable to KIUC.
I have a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., and a juris doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.
I am not an engineer nor an accountant nor a scientist.
My contributions to KIUC are similar to that which any director should possess: the ability to listen to all sides, to analyze the facts presented and to make timely, responsible decisions.
The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce and Lihu‘e Business Association will co-host a candidate forum at 7:30 a.m. on 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 TGI .
