Energy conference generates excitement

Community leaders who attended the 2008 Kaua`i Renewable Energy conference came away in anticipation of the next steps in moving the island toward energy independence.

“It achieved and exceeded a lot of expectations, especially bringing in speakers from off island, which helped in giving us a global and national perspective,” said Randy Francisco, president of the Kaua`i Chamber of Commerce. “There were many people on island who didn't hear or know what was going on with each other and the conference provided a great starting point.”

Mattie Yoshioka, president and CEO of Kaua`i Economic Development Board, the private non-profit organization that organized the conference, said although it is still undetermined which agency will undertake the leadership role for Kaua`i, all in attendance agreed it is time for a formal plan to be developed.

“Everybody got very energized and they want a plan of action,” she said. “KEDB stands behind helping formulate that plan of action and will help to facilitate whoever will take the leadership role.”

Francisco said it is a big job but one that Kaua`i organizations can handle by working together.

“This is all about partnerships. Our collective efforts are going to help make it successful. There are different kinds of opportunities here and no one group can take on all of them,” he said. “Everyone working together in different areas can make this happen because it already is. Kaua`i has a proven track record.”