1. Why are you running? KIUC plays a significant role in the lives of all who live on Kauai. I want that role to be one in which members feel valued, are asked to have their ideas regarding Kauai’s energy future
1. Why are you running?
KIUC plays a significant role in the lives of all who live on Kauai. I want that role to be one in which members feel valued, are asked to have their ideas regarding Kauai’s energy future shared, and feel that the value they are getting from their cooperative is significant. I have experience working with large budgets and making sure that it represents an efficient use of our collective resources. I also am very motivated to help Kauai move toward being more energy independent while we maintain a high level of quality of life for all who live here.
2. What expertise and experience will you bring to the board?
Prior to being elected three years ago I had spent over 13 years professionally focusing on energy issues. The most exciting project had been working with Honolulu Sea Water Air Conditioning to design their mechanical pump and heat transfer building. Prior to that I was employed in the oil refining business and I was a teacher and school counselor in the Kauai schools before and after Hurricane Iniki. Since being elected to the KIUC Board of Directors, I’ve had the opportunity to focus my education on the cooperative electrical model and have attained my Board Leadership Certification through NRECA.
3. What will you do to help KIUC meet its renewable energy goal of generating at least 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2023?
Continue to build upon the successes we are starting to realize with the generation of electricity at our Koloa Solar Farm and the energizing of the Anahola Solar complex. I will continue to push KIUC toward looking for cost effective, renewable alternatives as we move forward. While increasing our renewable portfolio is important we need to be sensitive to the financial abilities of our members. My goal is to continue looking for renewable alternatives that will move us away from fossil fuels while continuing to stabilize or lower our rates.
4. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing KIUC in providing energy to Kauai and what can be done to meet that challenge?
KIUC’s engineers and staff have proven that as far as providing reliable and alternative energy to members we are leading the nation. Technically, we will have challenges, including balancing variable renewables while maintaining reliable service, but nothing that can’t be done and overcome by KIUC. I believe our biggest challenge is engaging our membership and providing meaningful secondary services that are valued by members. Finding ways to assist members in lowering their monthly bills while continuing to make progress in moving away from fossil fuels is a challenge that I hope to continue to work on.
