Election

Election date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 at noon

The KIUC Board holds an election each year to fill three positions.

Election packets have been mailed. If you have not received your election packet, please call 877.324.7655 with any questions concerning the marking or returning of your ballot.

2026 Board of Directors Election

Election date: March 14, 2026 at noon

Election packets have been mailed. If you have not received your election packet, please call 877.324.7655 with any questions concerning the marking or returning of your ballot.

Nominating Deadline: November 14, 2025

Board Orientation: Tuesday, November 18, 2 p.m.

Candidate Statements

Candidates

I earned Engineering degrees from the University of California in 1971. Over the following 40+ years I worked throughout the electric power industry. Since retiring in 2015, I have been serving non-profit organizations on Kauaʻi, including Red Cross, Kauaʻi Humane Society, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. I have also served as the Chair of the State Land Use Commission.

My actions as a member of the KIUC Board of Directors would be governed by two principal considerations: (1) The safety and financial security of KIUC employees and retirees; and (2) affordable, reliable electric service for KIUC members.

I am confident that I can provide meaningful contributions as a KIUC board member relying on my work experience, respect for the KIUC organization, community-based perspectives, and love for Kauaʻi. Every KIUC member has the opportunity to vote. I humbly ask for your vote to the KIUC Board.

I would like to serve on the KIUC board because I want to continue to support what I think is the best electric utility company in the state and perhaps the nation. I have served on the County Charter Commission and the Kaua‘i Board of Water Supply, so I am familiar with how boards function and will be able to hit the ground running.

Like many KIUC members, I am interested in non-carbon-based power generation, with solar and hydro being the preferred methods. Solar-pumped hydro would be an ideal combination of these two. It is unfortunate that this was planned for the west side, but didn’t happen. I’ll look for similar opportunities for this technology.

I am also concerned with replacing aging equipment, rate structure and retention of valuable employees.

Regardless of who you vote for, please vote.

My unique experience and broad perspective is why I’m asking for your vote. I gained that experience through 10 years as the Chief Financial Officer of Wolverine Power (an electric co-op in Michigan); six years on KIUC’s board; and four years as an officer of a nationwide trade association where I collected and analyzed data about what works and what doesn’t work for co-ops like ours. Additionally, I believe we should have at least one female on the KIUC board.

My additional board governance experience includes The Hanalei Initiative, Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation Kaua‘i Region, and a free medical clinic in Michigan. I chair the Finance Committee of my church. In these roles, I work to solve problems and improve processes.

I have an MBA from the Wharton Business School (finance) and a Bachelor’s degree from Rice University (applied math, economics, and business.)

I was born on Maui and raised on Kaua‘i. I have a special interest in stewardship for our community and island. Our island’s energy use has a tremendous impact on our local families and businesses. I will bring to this position my working knowledge of how a board needs to communicate and work together to move forward with the ongoing changes that we face, I am very aware of the dedication and commitment involved. I would like to be involved in KIUC’s continuing efforts towards a more sustainable future.

James Mayfield is a founding member of Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative and has served on the KIUC Board of Directors for 13 years. From the cooperative’s earliest days, he has helped guide KIUC as a member-owned utility serving the people of Kauaʻi.

As Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, Mr. Mayfield supported the board’s long-standing goal of expanding renewable energy while also emphasizing affordability and reliability for island families and businesses. He has consistently advocated for thoughtful planning and responsible investment so progress toward energy independence remains financially sustainable for the community.

Today, Kauaʻi’s electric rates are the lowest in the State of Hawaiʻi, and the island is on track to achieve the highest level of renewable energy usage statewide. Mr. Mayfield remains focused on decisions that serve the long-term interests of KIUC’s member-owners.

Aloha!

Aloha, I’m Bryson Ponce, Kauaʻi born and raised, and I’m humbly asking for your vote.

With 25 years of service to Kauaʻi – at the Kauaʻi Police Department, and retiring as Assistant Chief – I understand leadership, accountability, and making tough decisions with our community’s best interests at heart.

By electing me, I will bring strong communication, strategic planning, and emergency management skills; and provide informed, responsible decision-making in providing safe, reliable and affordable electric service to our members.

My priorities for KIUC:

Responsible renewable energy that protects our island
Safe, reliable, and affordable service for every member
Smart, informed, community-focused decisions
Long-term planning that supports sustainability and resilience.

I am committed to integrity, accountability, and real solutions for Kauaʻi.

Together, we can keep Kauaʻi’s energy future strong, sustainable, and local. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Aloha mai kākou,

Living on a small Island, everyone knows everyone, and we look out for each other like ‘ohana. We want our crews to return home safely to their families and strive to keep our rates as low as possible for families on Kauaʻi.

We will continue to promote, support and protect the community and business interests of our cooperative. We must operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation. I ask for your support in continuing as a KIUC director.

Mahalo nui loa.

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Election

2026 Board of Directors Election

Candidate Statements

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