Kaua'i mayor opposes utility sale to co-op

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Mayor Maryanne Kusaka told the Public Utilities Commission last night that she does not support the sale of Kaua'i Electric to the Kaua'i Island Utility Co-op.

But a majority of speakers at the PUC's public hearing on the issue did support it. Some said that the alternative of many opponents, county ownership, is entirely unacceptable.

"We don't want the politicians running Kaua'i Electric," said Sab Yoshioka, a semi-retired small business owner. "The people don't want the county to do it. Why are they pursuing it?"

Kusaka said she has concerns about details of the cooperative's governance, and feels the $215 million price is too high. A county appraisal came in at $190 million.

County Councilman Gary Hooser said he supports the concept of a co-op, and although he still has questions he hopes the PUC will study the proposal. He said he absolutely opposes county ownership.

The proposed purchase of the island's electric utility, owned by the Mainland firm Citizens Communications, must be approved by the PUC. No deadline for action has been set.

Hundreds of people attended last night's hearing, and about 100 appeared prepared to speak.

Stella Burgess, representing the Hyatt Regency Hotel, one of the island's largest power users, told the PUC her firm supports the co-op purchase and hopes it will lower prices.

Kaua'i Economic Opportunity believes that through the sale to the co-op, "our electric bills will be kept at the lowest level possible," said Paul Matsunaga, chairman of the federally financed community development program.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808)245-3074.