Raised in Kekaha, Allan Smith graduated from Kamehameha Schools and received a bachelor of science in agricultural economics from the University of Hawai‘i. His professional experience is in asset and natural resource management, agribusiness and construction and land development. He retired seven years ago from Grove Farm Company as its senior vice president and served as interim director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the state of Hawai‘i in 2007.
What could KIUC do differently to include more members in its decision-making policies?
Directors should be encouraged to outreach and engage members for input and feedback.
Formal or casual venues should be planned by directors.
I recommend the formation of focus groups or task force committees with KIUC staff to investigate and appraise specific project alternatives, discuss and recommend action on issues and problem solve.
These groups would involve and embrace a wide range and large number of our members.
The discussions would be very pro-active, in contrast to members reacting to decisions made.
What could you as a KIUC board member do to reduce energy costs, besides promoting energy savings?
We must continue our quest to responsibly utilize our sustainable resources on and around Kaua‘i to satisfy our energy needs. Relentless pursuit of our goal of becoming independent of imported energy is happening. Our ongoing challenge is the opportunities of decreasing the costs of operating our cooperative.
The materials we use and the methods we follow need to be constantly scrutinized. Diligence and attentive analysis of new operating technologies along with a careful look at how and why we do things must be evaluated. Efficient, lowest cost operations directly benefit members in lowered electric bills.
What is the biggest challenge facing Kaua‘i in terms of energy?
We, the inhabitants of beautiful Kaua‘i, import almost all the items necessary to satisfy our basic needs of transportation, shelter, clothing and food. We obviously need to be more self-dependent and sustainable. Realistically, this shift is slow to occur and this great challenge will be before us for a while. The challenge of improving our members’ interest, concern and passion in our cooperative community is one that could be significantly overcome. Our members’ passiveness and indifference is evident in low voter participation in director elections and other KIUC events. We must continue to increase our efforts to excite our members to better their “will-to-action” and participation on issues, opportunities and strategic direction of their company.
Why are you running for the board? What can you bring to the table?
I have a willingness to continue to contribute to improving the well-being of my fellow Kauaians. I am willing to serve. To the table I bring experience in leadership, collaboration, community volunteerism and in business and agriculture. I have hands-on knowledge and understanding of Kaua‘i’s natural resources and our power generation and related facilities.
