A proposed merger between Hawaiian Electric and mainland company NextEra was the topic of discussion at a recent press conference in which public officials from all islands met together to call for the examination of publicly owned utilities in our state.
40 state and county lawmakers united together on Thursday, September 3 to discuss the merger and other options.
District 1’s City Councilmember Kymberly Pine had her own personal insight about this matter.
“As allowed to us in the constitution that states that all of our resources, especially our utilities, are not supposed to be for profit. They are there to support the people.” Says Councilmember Pine at yesterday’s press meeting.
Councilmember Pine has also stated that in her district which includes Ewa, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Honokai Hale, Ko Olina, Nanakuli, Maili, Waianae, Makaha, Keaau and Makua has the highest cost of using electricity. Providing that whatever alternative is chosen, it has to be sustainable, efficient, and fits the budget.
At the end of the conference, despite there being Democratic and Republican views, all representatives could agree that whatever decision they do make would be in the best interest of the people.
For more information, click here to watch KHON2’s coverage of the event:
http://khon2.com/2015/09/04/lawmakers-call-for-exploration-of-public-owned-utilities-for-hawaii/
