1. Why are you running? The members of the Board of Directors of KIUC are legally constrained from involving themselves in the day-to-day operations of the utility — and that is exactly as it should be. They are, however, largely responsible
1. Why are you running?
The members of the Board of Directors of KIUC are legally constrained from involving themselves in the day-to-day operations of the utility — and that is exactly as it should be. They are, however, largely responsible for setting the direction in which the utility is heading. If you want to see KIUC continue to move from fossil fuels to renewables, if you want to see conservation emphasized and supported, if you want to see the utility fully support individual investment in home solar energy generation, then the place to be is on the Board of Directors of KIUC.
2. What expertise and experience will you bring to the board?
I am a retired company director of information technology with a strong technical background. I am detail oriented and have managed technical projects both large and small, balanced budgets and negotiated contracts. I have never been afraid of either hard work or asking harder questions. I am a dedicated supporter of both conservation and home electrical generation — particularly rooftop solar. I am also an ex-Coast Guard officer and previously captain of an oceanographic research vessel. Working at sea has taught me a lot about conserving resources and managing power demands.
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?
I believe KIUC should support and promote conservation. I also believe they have a responsibility to support and promote renewable sources of energy, both as a utility with their own projects and in the efforts of their customers to do so as well. As a board member, I would push that agenda until we reach that 50 percent goal, then keep pushing for more. A key element in that agenda is to make investment in solar water heating and solar electrical generation more affordable.
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?
Uncontrolled growth is the biggest challenge that any utility faces. It is also the biggest challenge facing our transportation, water and sewage treatment infrastructure on Kauai as well. Until the county can bring that under control, KIUC faces an unpredictable future. On the plus side, we have abundant resources of sun, wind, wave and water. If we can put those resources to work for us in ways that are environmentally beneficial and sustainable, I believe the island has a bright future.
