Secrecy is corrosive to any democratic institution and KIUC and its Directors have a record of openness. Every single board meeting since KIUC purchased KE has been announced well in advance and is open to the public. Members of the press often come to our Board meetings and members are welcome.

Participation is the lifeblood of democracy. A way to participate is to let your KIUC Directors know what you want. KIUC Directors have listened and continue to listen to suggestions, recommendations, and concerns from our community. One good way to make your voice heard is to come to a Board meeting and present public testimony. You own the company, and as one of our owners you are always welcome to present your views. If you would prefer to make your views known outside a board meeting, you can contact a KIUC Director. We live and work and play and worship here on Kauai just like you do and are always ready to hear what you have to say. Since KIUC bought KE hundreds of individuals have chosen to informally make their views known to KIUC directors.

A way to have the most influence on the future direction of KIUC is to serve as a Director. This service requires that members elect you, but anyone can run. All it takes is thirty-five signatures on a petition and any member of the cooperative can offer their services as a KIUC Director to our community.

Leadership is about keeping promises. The leadership of KIUC, both elected Directors and managers, are making good on their financial promises. First, the company is performing better than the financial predictions filed with the PUC. We are saving more of your money, paying off the purchase loan faster, and keeping more money at home on Kauai than we thought we could. Second, we are on track to refund 25% of margins each year, and those refunds will be bigger than we thought when we made that commitment as part of the formation of KIUC. Third, we are listening to what you want. In this busy first year, we’ve had focus groups and surveys to learn where you want KIUC to go. And we’ve met with hundreds of members to hear what you want.

Leadership is also about making good decisions. Converting the long-term KPP purchase-power lease into ownership of the plant will save several millions dollars a year. Those savings mean larger annual refunds. You elected nine directors at the start of this year to make good decisions like this.

Here are the seven principals that guide KIUC and every other rural electric cooperative:

Please participate in co-op democracy: vote in our annual elections, run for Director if you want to serve that way, give testimony at meetings of the Directors, and just let us know what your thoughts and concerns are.