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 Steve M. Rapozo and Stewart “Stu” Burley, whose responses were published yesterday. 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?
When I ran for the board in 2009, I ran on a platform of clean energy, reasonable rates and a healthy environment. We have made leaps-and-bounds advancements and decisions on clean energy projects over the past three years, moving the total budget for liquid-fuel generation to a clean energy portfolio. My commitment to the members will be to continue on this same path that I have promised: clean energy, reasonable rates and a healthy environment.
Why do you believe you are the best choice for the board?
As a team, KIUC ‘s staff and board have laid the groundwork. KIUC is now progressing toward becoming one of the most innovative utility companies in the country. Without energy independence, we only empower those who have control over us. I have spent the last three years as a board member and the previous 33 years working for Verizon. I will continue to be a proponent of reliable and sustainable energy. My objective is to continue to research and support technology to benefit members. My loyal and unselfish voice and vote will always be in the best interest of our membership.
What should KIUC do to improve its services to members?
We can work together toward a clean-energy future or we can continue to be 90 percent dependent on imported oil. The choice is clear.
What should KIUC do to help members reduce energy costs?
Work diligently with state agencies to expedite hydro projects while continuing to expand solar. Solar projects have a potential to provide 35 percent of Kaua‘i’s daily load by 2015. If owned by KIUC, as the Anahola 12 MW solar project will be, it has a potential to produce energy at 50 percent less than our current cost of petroleum-based energy. The hydro projects being pursued have a potential to produce 11 percent of the island’s firm generation by 2020. Hydro has a longer permitting time, but will create firm energy at a 50 percent cost savings.
If you could change one things about the co-op, what would it be?
With all the changes taking place, cooperative principle No. 5, which addresses education and training, is becoming more important. Education through communication plays an important role in rural electric cooperatives. “Education = understanding. The need to continue that educative role is even greater today. … In fact, cooperative education is going to have to be a necessity, a priority, in long-range planning.” Good communication can be an asset, or the lack of it can be a problem. It’s especially important in cooperatives because members are owners. They need to know what’s going on so they feel involved and committed.
Briefly, please describe your advanced education and most significant professional contributions that would be transferable to KIUC.
Thirty-three years of utility experience with Verizon Communications. Worked as a lineman, technician, electronic installer for large business/hotels, marketing coordinator/software programmer, supervising construction manager, island and statewide IP coordinator, staff support island and statewide, pacific regional ambassador SOM.
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. tomorrow 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.
