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I listened to the congressional hearing on Sept. 28 regarding Maui's wildfires. Congresspersons quizzed Hawaiian Electric's President & CEO, Shelee Kimura, among others.
Kimura didn't offer much specific knowledge but did say it would be costly to increase the resiliency of Hawaii's electric system. She and others stated that the $95 million allotted by the federal government to upgrade was only half of what is needed, and that counties and residents would have to make up the difference.
Per HECO's annual report, posted online, their net income in 2022 was $241 million; the first six months of 2023, $109 million; 109 million common shares received a $1.40 dividend in 2022.
How about HECO diverting one or two years of their annual profits to build safer infrastructure? Underground cables, fire-resistant poles, implement a continuous plan to clear brush, trim trees, and maintain safety?
HECO admits they need to improve, but shareholders should cover the rest above $95 million, not Hawaii residents.
So many on Maui have lost so very much. Don't burden our ohana with increased electric bills while many are living in temporary housing and trying to rebuild their futures.
Hawaii residents already pay the highest electricity rate in the nation, varying around 40 cents per kWh. To say there is not enough funding is a poor excuse while Kimura admitted in the hearing that HECO pays 9 cents per kWh wholesale for renewable power. Funds are there, profit is there.
Make power distribution safe in Hawaii with HECO's profits.
Kelli Lundgren
Kaanapali