Aloha kakou!

As I dig deeper into the sustainability challenges facing Kaua`i, I am persuaded that nothing is more important than switching to renewable energy sources, and KIUC is a crucial lever in transforming our island energy system.

Our electricity generation is the source for more than one-third of our island's 'greenhouse gas' emissions, and 'going green' could reduce our 'ecological footprint' by more than half—if we also use electricity for more of our motors and transportation.

We cannot continue with 'business-as-usual', because it would not be:
· Smart, with peak oil looming, or
· Safe, with global warming accelerating, or
· Fair, with social inequity increasing.

Kaua`i has an abundance of green energy resources, which means we have an opportunity to significantly reduce our emissions and energy costs as we switch away from fossil fuels. This is fortunate; it is also urgent.

That is why, as a candidate for the KIUC Board of Directors, my slogan is "greener, sooner, cheaper."

Serving on the Board of our electricity coop is a huge commitment and responsibility, and I would be honored to represent all of our KIUC members as we shift toward an ethic of sustainability.

I humbly ask for your vote and your personal commitment to participate in visioning and achieving a sustainable energy future for our island.

If you want to learn more about the challenges facing KIUC and our current energy system, please checkout my sustainability blog at kauaian.net/blog and my economic indicators columns in Kaua`i People newspaper.

Mahalo,
Ken Stokes