KIUC Actively Aims At Alternatives

Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative is aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions and replace much of its oil-fired power generation with renewable resources, and will contribute to national efforts to decrease carbon emissions from power plants. On a path to generate at least 50 percent of its power by using solar, bio-mass and hydroelectric resources, the cooperative’s high-tech smart grid will make it possible to integrate renewables more efficiently, according to spokesman Jim Kelly. On Kaua’i, 15 percent of power generation comes from solar and hydro, with oil accounting for the rest. By 2023, the cooperative plans to get at least 23 percent of its power from hydro, 16 percent from solar and 12 percent from biomass, with the rest coming from oil, gas or biofuels …

Congratulations to William Lydgate of Kapa’a, who participated in Berklee College of Music’s 2013 commencement held recently at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. Lydgate received a degree in music production and engineering from college president Roger Brown. Lydgate’s was among honorary doctor of music degrees awarded to legends Carole King, Willie Nelson and Annie Lennox – all multiple Grammy Award-winners. Lennox delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated audience of more than 4,000 guests. Of the speech, Lydgate says, “Lennox spoke about the value and power of unorthodoxy. She spoke eloquently and interspersed her talk with songs and vocal melodies. … I feel so empowered to follow my own path in music and in life.” Well done!

Mark your calendars to join local artist Elvrine Chow for a haku lei workshop July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those who don’t know, Chow creates “wili-style” haku (lei po’o) with fresh flowers and foliage, and has been a Kaua’i Museum Lei Day participant for more than 15 years. Haku lei are given to heal and honor in celebration of happy occasions. Participants should bring their own sturdy plant material (enough for a headband) and clippers. Workshop costs $35, and is part of NTBG’s monthly Ohana Day Event series held at the Southshore Visitors Center in Poipu (across from Spouting Horn). To sign up or for more information, call 742-2433 …

That same week (beginning July 21 at 10 a.m.), Rev. Michinori Sasaki from Fukushima, Japan, will speak about the “Current Situation of Fukushima” at Waimea Higashi Hongwanji. Sasaki, vice principal of Doho kindergarten and priest of Shingyoji Temple in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima, states that “the children (in Fukushima) have health problems that they didn’t have before, including thyroid diseases. Almost every night parents come to our temple crying about the their children’s health problems and their future.”

Sasaki worries about his own four children as well. “My wife and I want to leave this city because my children are sick and have diseases, but I can’t throw away my temple.” Rev. Noriaki Fujimori has invited children of Fukushima to visit Kaua’i July 20-27. Anyone interested in helping these children in the form of food, donations and/or housing, call Fujimori at 338-1847 …

Congratulations to Kaua’i County employees who recently were honored at the annual employee awards banquet for being outstanding in respective departments: County Attorney, Ian Jung; Parks and Recreation, Dominic Agu and Severino Butay; Planning, Leanora Kaiaokamalie; Police, Daurice Arruda and Lt. Robert Gausepohl; Economic Development, Ben Sullivan; Prosecuting Attorney, Lisa Aki; Elderly Affairs, Grace Delos Reyes; Finance, Erwin Wright; Public Works, Paul Togioka and Millicent Agena; Transportation, Tobey Imperial; Fire, Jeremie Makepa and Garrett Stephen; Housing, Fay Kimura; Mayor’s Office, Barbara Davis; Water, Sandi Nadatani-Mendez and Shayce Yasutake …

The 13th annual Kaua’i United Way Benefit Golf Tournament is coming up July 21 at Kaua’i Lagoons. Though tickets are sold out, sponsorship opportunities are available. KUW executive director Scott Giarman says it is not too late to show support as a business and associate your message with this important community event, with hole sponsorships ($150) and closest-to-the-hole sponsorship ($350) or banner sponsorships ($500). For more information, call 245-2043 …

Congratulations to Beach House restaurant, which announced last week that it has received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award …

agregg@ midweekkauai.com