GOVERNOR IGE LAUDS OUTGOING PUBLIC UTILITIES CHAIR, HERMINA ‘MINA’ MORITA

News Release from Office of the Governor January 12, 2015

HONOLULU – Governor David Ige today announced that he has accepted the resignation of Hermina “Mina” Morita from her position as chair of the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

“For almost two decades, Mina has been the acknowledged leader in the state’s efforts to reduce dependency on imported oil and to develop local, renewable, and clean energy resources,” Ige said when he learned Morita would not seek reappointment.

“Mina has been the driving force, both at the Legislature, where she made her mark as the House Energy Committee chair, and at the PUC, behind the policies that have positioned Hawaii as a national leader in clean energy. She has dedicated her life to creating a better environment and more sustainable communities. I thank Mina for her work. She embodies the values that make Hawaii a special place.”

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Morita: Ige Will Have the Opportunity to Appoint a New Chair

SA: Morita, who did not respond to questions about why she resigned, said she made as much progress as she could considering the unstable state of the energy sector.

"Although I am very proud of my accomplishments in the energy sector, including building public confidence in the mission and capacity of the PUC, I have done what I could in the unstable environment of the last year. At this juncture, Gov. Ige will now have the opportunity to appoint a new chair and take into account the knowledge and experience needed to carefully review the HEI (Hawaiian Electric Industries) acquisition, amongst other matters. I know Gov. Ige will be guided by his core value — kina­‘ole — doing the right thing for the reasons and in the right way when making this important appointment."

KGI: Attempts to contact Morita for comment Monday were unsuccessful.

PBN: She previously told PBN that she would like to continue as chair

News Release Jan 16, 2015: Ige Names Doug Chin AG, Randy Iwase PUC Chair

Morita Opposes NextEra Merger, Gets Boot

CB Jan 17, 2015: Iwase will chair the three-member commission, which also includes Lorraine Akiba and Michael Champley....

Ige’s office announced Monday that Morita had withdrawn her name from consideration for the post. People close to the commission have told Civil Beat that she lacked the support of the other two commissioners....

Morita spoke with authority about the upcoming issues facing the PUC, which will now be handed over to Iwase, and in particular the NextEra deal, which she called “probably the most significant decision in the PUC’s history.”

“As we begin the investigation of one of the most significant business transactions in this state’s history, I believe the answer we seek is whether NextEra, a Florida-based company, can incorporate and will perpetuate in its corporate philosophy and structure, Hawaii’s triple bottom line: kuleana, taking responsibility; malama pono, to do what is right and just; and aloha, compassion and cooperation,” she told the audience. “Only then, I believe, can NextEra establish a true partnership with Hawaii.” (Translation: "I am against the merger.")

NOTE: Iwase is not one of the "Seven Possible Candidates for PUC Chair" planted in PBN Jan 13 by alt-energy schemers.

read ... Iwase for NextEra?