LIHUE — Jim Mayfield said he didn’t believe it when he was told he was elected to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors. “Elections oftentimes are about the name appeal. I’m well-known in the business world, but not
LIHUE — Jim Mayfield said he didn’t believe it when he was told he was elected to the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative Board of Directors.
“Elections oftentimes are about the name appeal. I’m well-known in the business world, but not around the island,” he said.
Mayfield was one of three people elected to the board of directors. He received 2,395 votes, or 13.1 percent of the votes.
“I’m very, very happy. I know it sounds strange, but I consider KIUC to be my crowning achievement in the community,” he said.
Mayfield is one of the original founders of KIUC, which was formed in 2002.
Allan Smith and Dee Crowell, both incumbents, round out the board of directors for the next three years.
Smith received the most votes, receiving 3,021, or 16.6 percent. Crowell received 2,392 votes, or 13.1 percent.
“I’m very humbled the people put their trust in me to continue,” Smith said.
The KIUC board of directors results were announced Saturday. Seven people ran for three available seats to serve three-year terms. They were Mayfield, Smith, Crowell, KipuKai Kuali‘i, Hermina Morita, Juno-Ann Apalla and Norma Doctor Sparks.
Smith, who lives in Lihue, was selected to fill a vacancy on the board of directors in 2016. He previously served on the board from 2007 to 2013.
Smith said he plans to uphold the strategic plan, which was updated in February.
Goals include: reaching 50 percent of renewable energy by 2018, holding controllable cost increases, establishing a fair rate system and obtaining federal and state permits for that set requirements for conservation of endangered birds.
“There’s some exciting things we’re looking forward to in years ahead. But it’s going to take hard work, patience and collaboration,” Smith said.
KIUC reported it mailed out 25,703 ballots and received 6,088, for a turnout of 23.7 percent. That is more than last year, which had a 21 percent turnout.
Kuali‘i, former Kauai County Councilman, landed in fourth place.
“Unfortunately we fell a little short. Still, I’m really glad we gave the voters more of a choice,” he said. “Going forward, I will continue doing what I can to stay engaged in our island community and to continue serving in different ways.”
Kuali‘i said it looks like Kauai residents are happy with the way the co-op is being run.
“It would appear our member voters want to see more of the same or continued movement leading the way to the state’s renewable energy goals,” he said.
Since Saturday, Mayfield, who lives in Lihue, has hit the ground running.
“I’ve must have made and sent 10 emails and phone calls to my contacts around the nation regarding the things I want to get done in the next three years,” he said.
For Mayfield, that’s finding a way to offer a WIFI package through KIUC and making sure the Garden Isle has enough battery storage.
“We know household batteries are going to be coming in on strong. We need to make sure KIUC is in front of the process so we can assist our members as it becomes as reality on Kauai,” Mayfield said.
The results are as follows:
w Smith: 3,021, or 16.57 percent
w Mayfield: 2,395, or 13.13 percent
w Crowell: 2,393, or 13.12 percent
w KipuKai Kuali’i: 2,212, or 12.13 percent
w Hermina Morita: 2,131, or 11.69 percent
w Juno-Ann Apalla: 2,124, or 11.65 percent
w Norma Doctor Sparks: 2,011, or 11.03 percent.
The board members will be inaugurated on March 28 at the KIUC main conference room at 11 a.m.
