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.
A co-op member may become an election candidate in one of two ways: either 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 in the community.
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. Rapozo and Burley were featured in previous editions of TGI.
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.
Why are you running for a seat on the Board of Directors?
I want to improve the quality of life for KIUC members, and because of my educational background in business, I know I can contribute to the development of KIUC’s Strategic Plans for renewable projects in a cost-effective way.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for the board?
I am not running with or against anyone on the board, nor am I running because of power or money. I have served in many boards in the past and present, and I know that only with the cooperation with other members of the board we can get things done. I feel that we can work together for the betterment of Kaua‘i and for our future generations.
What should KIUC do to improve its services to members?
Board directors should listen to the members and respect their concerns. KIUC is already doing a lot for the members. Communication is the key and the guiding principle that the Board of Directors is there to provide our members with a better quality of life. We must also not waste the members’ money.
What should KIUC do to help members reduce energy costs?
Continuing education in conservation, assist in low-cost financing for renewable energy and more efficient appliances. KIUC alone cannot reduce our members energy cost. The cooperative is doing all it can by reducing its dependency on fossil fuel with its renewable programs, solar, hydro, biomass, battery storage and biofuel. Our members play a vital part in reducing their own energy cost by practicing conservation. Turn off lights when it’s not in use, replace old appliances with energy efficient ones, replace old incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. These simple steps would bring a 75 percent savings of lighting alone.
If you could change one thing about the co-op, what would it be?
I will work for unity among the board members as well as members. Only when we work together, can we move ahead toward the goal of reducing rates to our members.
Briefly, please describe your advanced education and most significant professional contributions that would be transferable to KIUC.
I am a problem solver as I have done in the past and present businesses. I have over 20 years of business experience on Kaua‘i. This I attribute to my education, leadership and staff. I have been in a leadership role in professional, cultural and business entities and have always “given back” to the community. I have the skills, enthusiasm and passion to fulfill the obligations and responsibilities you expect from a trusted board member.
To learn more about the candidates, the public is encouraged to attend the following candidate forums:
• Wailua-Kapa‘a Neighborhood Association will co-host a forum at 2 p.m. today 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.
