Blessing Veteran Center’s Photovoltaic System

Kahu Chucky Chock prior to lift-off. Photo by Melinda Uohara

An invitation-only blessing of the newly-installed photo voltaic system at the Kaua`i Veterans Center and Museum, designed by A & P Electrical Services LLC, drew about 75 veterans, dignitaries and guests on Tuesday, July 31. The 75kW system will save the Vet Center a minimum of $2000 per month, or over $24,000 a year, according to A & P’s Art Cordoba.

At the blessing, after recognizing those responsible for the project, evangelist Kahu Chucky Chock, a member of Kaua`i Bible Church, performed a traditional Hawaiian blessing from a most unusual pulpit — an hydraulic lift that took him over the solar panels on the building.

Afterwards, attendees enjoyed pupu served compliments of Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors, located in Puhi.

Among the dignitaries and those responsible for the project were Mel Rapozo, councilperson; Gabrielle Buist, Miss Kaua`i Veteran; Robin Sanchez, president of Kaua`i Veterans Museum and chair of Kaua`i Veterans Management Committee; Norberto Garcia, president and Commanding Officer of the Kaua`i Veterans Council; and Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.

More persons included Rep. Dee Morikawa; Dickie Chang, councilperson; Ron Sakoda of Ron’s Electric and also Rep. Daniel Inouye’s representative; Paul Endo of First Hawaiian Bank, financial advisor; Ralph Clark, treasurer, Kaua`i Veterans Council; and Dennis Esaki of Esaki’s Mapping & Surveying and also representative for Tulsi Gabbard who is a candidate for congress.

More persons included Paul Reineck, managing partner and CEO of A & P Electrical Services LLC, the company that did the project; Art Cordoba of the Hawai`i division of  A & P Electrical Services LLC; Wilbert Perreira, chair, Voltaic Committee;  and JQ Smith, vice president of Kaua`i Veterans Museum and member of the management committee.