West Hawaii resident tapped for long-term planning for Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) Tuesday named Ulupono Initiative general partner Kyle Datta of West Hawaii to a new Transformation Advisory Council (TAC), which will assist in the development of a long-term vision and transformation execution plan for the power system in Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
“I am honored to be able to help our island friends in Puerto Rico rebuild their electrical system to be more renewable, affordable and resilient,” Datta said. “In Hawaii, our experience in renewables and distributed energy will be valuable for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. Our island grids are similarly vulnerable to Category 4 or greater hurricanes, so we will learn many lessons from working with Puerto Rico.”
As general partner of Ulupono Initiative, Datta is responsible for developing the impact investment firm’s partnerships with stakeholders, policymakers and community organizations.
He also oversees the organization’s systems-thinking approach to strategy development and transformation. Datta received a master’s degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Organization and Management, as well as a master’s degree in environmental science in resource economics from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
The TAC consists of recognized executive leaders from the public power and investor-owned utility sector and from select non-governmental organizations. Another Hawaii utility industry leader joining Datta on the TAC is David Bissell, CEO of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.
Ulupono Initiative LLC is a for-profit, impact investment firm that strives to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaii by working toward solutions that create more locally grown food, increase clean renewable energy and better management of waste and water.
Windermere donates to Family Support Hawaii
This Christmas season, Family Support Hawaii, which provides services for families in need in West Hawaii, received gifts for local children from Windermere C and H Properties.
“On behalf of all of us at Family Support Hawaii, thank you for participating in Kalikimaka No Na Keiki. We are extremely thankful for your generosity in donating gifts and a check of $1,000 to make this Christmas special and memorable for our families,” executive director Ray Wofford said of the donation.
The mission of Family Support Hawaii is to support families and communities in providing love and care for our children. It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity and said it appreciates the support it receives from the community.