Mahalo to Kaua’i Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, State consumer advocate Gregg Kinkley and Navy Rate Intervention Office lawyer Dave Coker for opposing the sale of Kaua’i Electric at an inflated price. Citizens’ Utilities, the owner of Kaua’i Electric, asked for and
Mahalo to Kaua’i Mayor Maryanne Kusaka, State consumer advocate Gregg Kinkley and Navy Rate Intervention Office lawyer Dave Coker for opposing the sale of Kaua’i Electric at an inflated price. Citizens’ Utilities, the owner of Kaua’i Electric, asked for and received an $100 million bailout in the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki (just eight years ago), although Citizens’ Utilities was, in FY ’92’-’93, a very profitable company. Since Kaua’i Electric is overvalued by just that amount, the sale should be held up until the money is returned. The $100 million could then be applied toward the sale price— and Kaua’i consumers would thereafter enjoy much lower electricity bills.
Richard Thompson, Temporary resident, University Students’ Co-op Housing (Berkeley)
