People In Power

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 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?”

Hawaii PUC: Jay Griffin

Chair

“Early in my term, I was at a backyard barbecue with a friend and he pulled out his electricity bill in front of the whole crowd and asked me to explain all the line items.”

Hawaiian Electric: Scott Seu

SVP for public affairs

“If you’re going to operate a business here in Hawaii for 20 years or so, you will be expected by the community to become a part of it, to be able to engage on an ongoing basis.”

Hawaiian Electric: Colton Ching

SVP for planning and technology

“Our electric supply plans are aggressive. They’re forward leading within the industry and there does not exist technology today at this moment in time that will meet all of our needs over the next 20 or 30 years.”