Get Smart About Smart Grid Plan

on April 25, 2012 at 4:14 pm

Allan Thomas. Photo courtesy Allan Thomas

It’s gotten a lot of hype and a lot of critique. So if you’re worried about the smart meters being rolled out next month as part of Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative Kaua’i Smart Grid Initiative, take note:

If you want to defer its installation, you must call KIUC at 246-4300 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., to request a “deferred installation request form.” Be aware that the deferral program may be temporary and KIUC can obtain cost recovery from members who choose to defer. KIUC representatives will visit homes and businesses to replace electric meters with new smart meters over the next 18 months, and residents will receive a notification letter by mail at least a couple of weeks prior to installation at their home or business.

Those in favor of smart meters don’t need to be home for installation, according to a KIUC release. After installation has been completed, you can expect a green door hanger. If the meter couldn’t be installed, a red door hanger will be left behind with an explanation and contact number.

No action is required to install the new meter. However, if special circumstances (such as medical equipment or other vital electrical equipment) make it necessary for the member to be notified in advance of a power interruption, the member is expected to call KIUC. For more information, go to kiucrenewablesolutions.coop …

With the end of the Legislative session approaching May 3, critical environmental bills are on the table. Those wanting a chance to wala’au with former state Sen. Gary Hooser, current director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control, can do so this Saturday (April 28) from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Kapa’a Library meeting room. Hooser has dubbed recent legislation as a “full frontal assault on environmental protections.” For more information, contact Sid Jackson at 821-2837 or visit wkna.org …

(from left) Zonta Club of Hanalei Foundation chairwoman Robin Savage-Thompson with Betsy Emison and club president Jane Abramo. Photo courtesy Zonta Club of Hanalei Foundation

It’s nomination season and congratulations are in order, including to 29-year Kaua’i resident Allan Thomas, a songwriter and recording artist who produced Deep Water, which has been nominated for Rock Album of the Year in the 35th annual 2012 Na Hoku Hanohano Music Awards. Mixed by 2012 Grammy award-winner Mike Shipley, Deep Water features David Crosby, Graham Nash and members of the Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Neil Young, Van Morrison and Yellowjackets bands, plus local Kaua’i standouts Bryan Kessler, Michael Ruff, Ken Emerson, Kirk Smart and Kaua’i songbird Anjela Rose. Congratulations also to well-loved local musician Chucky Boy Chock, nominated for Religious Album of the Year, and Hanalei staples Doug and Sandy McMaster, nominated for Slack Key Album of the Year. The 35th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards will take place May 27 on Oahu at Hawai’i Convention Center. Sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority and others, it will be telecast live on KFVE. For more information, go to nahokumusicfestival.com …

I’d also like to offer congratulations to this year’s Leadership Kaua’i Ho’okanaka nominees, selected on their ability to model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act and encourage the heart. Adult nominees include Bruce and Cyndee Fehring, Imai Aiu, Joel Guy, Faith Harding, Frank Puni, Helen Cox, Ian Ross, Ian Versammy, Janet Mayfield, Janice Bond, Janine Rapozo, Jewel Ramelb, Kimo Perry, Marla Suga, Melinda Montgomery, Paul Clark, Puna Kalama Dawson, Sandi Nadatani-Mendez, David Bissell and Thomas Nizo. Youth nominees are Brianne Nagamine, Bryson Cayaban, Christina-Maile Pico, Hallie Cristobal, Kahea Onalani, John Medeiros, Kyle Fleming, Moani Estrella Genegabuas and Travis Navarro. There’s still time to purchase tickets to the awards ceremony and dinner at 5 p.m. May 5 at Kaua’i Marriott Resort. Tickets cost $75 and are available online at https://thehookanakaawards.blogsp ot.com, or at Scotty’s Music, Island Soap & Candle and Kaua’i Music & Sound until 5 p.m. April 30 …

And while on the subject of laud-worthy people, I’d like to make mention of the generosity of Betsy Emison and the Hillswood Foundation, which donated money to Zonta Club of Hanalei to support tsunami relief efforts in Japan and college scholarships for local teens and adults. To learn more, go to zontaclubofhanalei.com …

It was so great to see the turnout at the County Housing Agency’s 38th Community Development Block Grant program, which featured HOME Investment Partnerships programming and projects that benefit low- to moderate-income residents. The event offered guidance on first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention counseling and youth budgeting classes …

The County of Kaua’i Housing Agency also will host a workshop from 8 to noon this Friday, April 27, in the Lihu’e Civic Center Pi’ikoi Building, conference room A/B. Landlords, tenants, resident and property managers, association board members, housing agents and the general public can benefit from the free training, which will include information on the Fair Housing Act, as well as offer the latest information on fair housing, reasonable accommodations and modifications, and occupancy standard guidelines. Featured speakers include representatives from the Hawai’i Civil Rights Commission, Legal Aid Society of Hawai’i, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Pre-registration is recommended by April 23 as space is limited. To sign up for the training or to request special assistance or an auxiliary aid, call the Housing Agency at 241-4444 …

It’s almost time for Kaua’i Police Activities League flag football programs in Kapa’aAnahola, Lihu’e, Koloa-Kalaheo, Hanapepe and Waimea for all youths from kindergarten to high school age. Registration for the Kapa’a-Anahola flag football program is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Popo’s Cookies in Kapa’a. The Lihu’e program registration is from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Kaua’i Veterans Center in Lihu’e, and from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 26, at the KPAL Lihu’e Boxing Gym located between Vidinha Stadium and the soccer field. Those interested in Koloa-Kalaheo flag football can register with Kya Asano at Koloa Ball Park Tuesday, April 24, and Thursday, April 26. To register for the Waimea program, contact Thomas Apilado at Waimea Canyon Basketball Court from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 23, through Thursday, April 26. The Hanapepe program has ongoing registration; contact Nori Montemayor at Hanapepe Baseball Park. Kujo’s Mini Mart in Kalaheo also will accept applications for all flag football programs now through Friday, April 27. Football practice begins in May. Practices times will be determined by each coach once all registration forms have been collected. The cost for flag football is $20. KPAL offers 50 percent off dues for participants who receive reduced meals at school, and free classes to those who receive free meals. Proof of qualification is required at registration. KPAL is always looking for more volunteer coaches. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching, go to one of the above registration sites to learn more. For more information, or to request additional support or an auxiliary aid, please contact Officer Mark Ozaki at 652-6999 or mozaki@kauai.gov …

Get Smart About Smart Grid Plan

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