Hawaii: Chris Lee
State Representative
“Today we are already well on the way to solving our energy problems. And if it can be done here, then it can be done elsewhere.”
Hawaii: Dean Nishina
Consumer Advocate
“There’s no organized group that intervenes on behalf of large industrial customers or large commercial customers. We are supposed to represent the interests of all of those consumers.”
Hawaii's Consumer Advocate and a State Representative
Unique Renewable Goals
Conversations with the division of consumer advocacy’s executive director Dean Nishina and state representative Chris Lee.
Hawaii PUC: Jayson Kauwenaole
Head of Compliance and Consumer Affairs
“Our goal is to get them in compliance. We’re not there to shut down any business.”
Hawaii PUC: Gina Yi
Interim Chief Engineer
“I review applications from such utilities as Hawaiian Electric, reviewing its application for major projects, which includes electric diagrams.”
Hawaii PUC: Jodi Endo Chai
Executive Officer
“If it takes us months to issue them a certificate, they’re unable to legally operate and earn income all that time.”
Hawaii PUC: Dave Parsons
Chief for Policy and Research
“We don’t testify, generally. Our Staff is advisory, so we’re an extension of the Commissioners. Our job is to investigate the issues before the Commission and advise them.”
Hawaii PUC: Caroline Ishida
Chief Counsel
“The state Supreme Court has looked at some novel issues raised by some of the parties related to environmental considerations like greenhouse gases.”
Hawaii PUC: Jennifer Potter
Commissioner
“Our journey of PBR was solidified by legislation that did mandate that we investigate a way to break the link between capital investment and revenue for the utility.”
Hawaii PUC: Leo Asuncion
Commissioner
“The focus for us right now is cost containment of the companies. Are the costs justifiable to us that eventually the ratepayer needs to pay in base rates?”