New KIUC Board Directors Installed, Smith Named Chair

District Judge Laurel Loo is seen here swearing in, from left to right, James Mayfield, Allan Smith and Dee Crowell

Allan Smith, James Mayfield and Dee Crowell were installed Monday as directors for Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative. Each will serve a three-year term and join six other board members governing Kauaʻi’s energy cooperative, according to a KIUC news release.

Smith and Crowell ran as incumbents; Mayfield previously served as a board member from 2003 to 2006. The swearing-in was conducted at the annual board meeting by Per Diem District Judge Laurel Loo.

In addition to welcoming new members, the board elected Allan Smith as its new chair. Smith said he looks to encourage more member education and participation via board meetings, KIUC’s annual meeting and other outreach activities.

“Our membership is very diverse and can help our board make the best possible decisions by sharing their thoughts and ideas,” Smith said.

Former chair Jan TenBruggencate will now serve as vice-chair.

“We are fortunate that our members have returned to the board an experienced team,” he said. “Every member of our board has previously served and has received extensive training in cooperative utility oversight. It will certainly help us manage the significant challenges ahead.”

KIUC’s board directors, left to right, Peter Yukimura, Dee Crowell, Calvin Murashige, Chair Allan Smith, Teofilo “Phil” Tacbian, Jan TenBruggencate, David Iha, and James Mayfield. Missing from the picture is Pat Gegen.

The board also voted today to confirm Calvin Murashige as Secretary and Peter Yukimura as Treasurer, and made the following committee assignments:

• Executive Committee: Chair Jan TenBruggencate
• Finance & Audit Committee: Chair Peter Yukimura
• Government Relations/Legislative Committee: Chair Tefilo “Phil” Tacbian
• International Committee: Chair David Iha
• Member Relations Committee: Chair Patrick Gegen
• Policy Committee: Chair Dee Crowell
• Strategic Planning Committee: Chair James Mayfield

Among other things, the board will be charged with leading KIUC toward its goal of reaching 70 percent renewable generation by 2030. Currently, the utility generates more than 40 percent of its power from hydro, biomass and solar facilities.