125 years old with humble beginnings
by Michael Choe | Dec. 12, 2019
Hawaii Electric Light celebrates 125 years of service this year, which is nearly five times as old as I am! From its humble beginnings when a 10-horsepower power plant was installed at Hilo Boarding School, the company has evolved to now serve over 80,000 customers across Hawaii Island. A century ago, all the power plants and solar farms that you see today on the island did not exist.
When I attended the 125th Anniversary Celebration in Downtown Hilo on Dec. 5, I learned that the company’s milestones were reached thanks to more than just its innovation over the years. Retired Hawaii Electric Light President Warren Lee shared a story of how the company had to decide between going into the ice business or providing electricity before he started working at the company. Thankfully, they went into the electric business and never turned back.
Hawaiian Electric Industries President and CEO Connie Lau, current President of Maui County and Hawaii Island Utilities Sharon Suzuki, retired Hawaii Electric Light presidents Jay Ignacio and Warren Lee, Hawaii Island Mayor Harry Kim, and Attorney Lincoln Ashida all shared a few words at the anniversary celebration. As they shared their unique personal stories, one thing remained consistent: appreciation for the people. Gratitude toward customers, employees, key stakeholders and leaders was a recurrent theme throughout the event and all the speakers emphasized the company’s achievements could not be attributed to a single person or entity.
Following the speeches and a short break, we were taken on a tour of Puueo Hydro, a hydroelectric power plant that has operated for more than a century. The plant was upgraded in 2005 to double its generation to 3 megawatts using the same amount of water, which allows it to power about 4,000 customers. When I learned that Puueo Hydro Plant operated 24/7 to provide power, it made me think of the employees that retired Hawaii Electric Light President Warren Lee mentioned in his speech who had worked 14 to 18 hours, seven days a week to serve customers.
Those employees helped build the company’s strong foundation. All in all, Hawaii Electric Light’s 125th anniversary celebration was a true testament to not only the rich history behind the company but also the commitment and loyalty of our employees who put customers first. While I probably won’t be around for the next 125 years, I’m sure glad to have taken part in Hawaii Electric Light’s 125th anniversary.
Retired Hawaii Electric Light President Jay Ignacio best summed it up when he said, “We serve. It’s a very simple statement but that’s what we do. We serve.” Hawaii Electric Light’s 125th birthday was an occasion for our employees to reaffirm their commitment to serve our customers and find innovative solutions to achieve our clean energy goals — without ever forgetting our past.
Watch our recap:
Michael Choe is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company.
