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 the renewable energy for Kaua‘i and the local economy through effects on energy costs for both residents and businesses.
Nine co-op members are competing for three three-year seats on the board of directors in the upcoming election scheduled March 24. To help introduce these candidates to the community, The Garden Island posed six questions to each. A different candidate’s responses will be published each day.
Running for re-election to the board are incumbents Stewart “Stu” Burley and Steve M. Rapozo, whose responses will be published tomorrow. Responses from candidates Joanne Georgi, Ken Stokes, Pat Gegen, Karen Baldwin, Lesther Calipjo, Joel Guy and Calvin Murashige will be published in subsequent editions.
TGI requested that the responses be limited to 100 words.
Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Directors?
To complete the projects that were started in the past three years.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for the board?
I advocate risk management, and every decision by the board should involve risk management.
What should KIUC do to improve its services?
Nothing. KIUC has an outreach program, newspaper articles and the Current magazine. Ask TGI to be more positive toward KIUC.
What should KIUC do to help members reduce energy costs?
Turn off their lights whenever they leave a room.
If you could change one thing about the co-op, what would it be?
Have a scholarship program that can help the children of our members. To lecture in high schools more.
Briefly, please describe your advanced education and most significant professional contributions that would be transferable to KIUC.
Three degrees from the University of Hawai‘i. Many weeks of environmental law and risk management while working at Pacific Missile Range Facility for 46 years.
To learn more about the candidates, the public is encouraged to attend the following candidate forums:
• The Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i at Kaua‘i Community College will co-host a forum at 6 p.m. today at Kaua‘i Community College.
• Wailua-Kapa‘a Neighborhood Association will co-host a forum at 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Kapa‘a Library.
• The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce and Lihu‘e Business Association will co-host a forum at 7:30 a.m. on March 1 in Room 106 of the Office of Continuing Education & Training at Kaua‘i Community College.
Readers may also find forum coverage in an upcoming edition of TGI .
• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 251, or by emailing vvanvoorhis@thegardenisland.com.
