Our Team
H. Ray Starling, Program Manager
Ray Starling oversees Hawaii Energy’s efforts to design and implement energy efficiency programs that will greatly enhance the state’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and expand the use of renewable energy.
Ray has more than 25 years of experience in the technical, business, regulatory and legal areas of the electric power and energy industries. He has testified as an energy expert and functioned as attorney-legal advisor and business consultant for a number of successful power projects. He is often consulted for his unique knowledge of renewable energy, power supply, energy conservation and efficiency, energy regulation, and ice thermal storage.
For the last decade, Ray has worked as a consultant and developer of energy conservation and renewable energy projects in Hawaii. He was the managing principal of Hawaii Energy Group, LLC (HEG), an energy consulting and development firm that renovated Makila Hydro-Electric Plant in West Maui, among other projects. Ray also pioneered the development and operation of ice thermal storage air-conditioning in conjunction with his work with Off-Peak Hawaii, a company that has installed ice air-conditioning systems at Maryknoll High School, Aiea Medical Building, Market City Shopping Center, Mid-Pacific Institute, Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s Hospital, St. Francis Hospital-Liliha and St. Francis Medical Center-West.
From 1995 to 1998, Ray served as president of HEI Power Corp., developing independent power plants throughout the Asia-Pacific region. He has also served as senior attorney at Hawaiian Electric Company, and vice president and manager of the Legal Department at Carolina Power and Light Company.
Ray has a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and a law degree from Wake Forest School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Hawaii, Guam and North Carolina. He served 37 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard and recently retired from military service as a major general.
Ray recently installed a solar electric (photovoltaic) system in his house and is enjoying seeing his meter run backward and getting a credit on his electric bill whenever his system produces more electricity than his house uses.
Michael Chang, Deputy Program Manager
Michael Chang brings a broad range of energy experience gained from 18 years in the energy industry, working for Hawaiian Electric Company, Johnson Controls and now Hawaii Energy. He has helped businesses and federal agencies identify ways to cut energy costs, implement energy-saving actions and achieve energy efficiency goals.
Michael has served as Honolulu branch manager and service manager at Johnson Controls as well as commercial energy efficiency program manager and federal account executive at Hawaiian Electric Company.
Michael holds a mechanical engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Hawaii. He serves as president of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Hawaii Chapter.
At his previous position, Michael planned and implemented $20 million in energy efficiency projects for city, state and federal facilities; each project saved at least 30% in energy use.
Derrick Sonoda, Director of Operations
Derrick Sonoda offers more than 21 years of experience in sales and marketing, program and personnel management, and rebate program design, marketing, and implementation. He directs day-to-day operations at Hawaii Energy.
Derrick was the program manager at Hawaiian Electric Company’s Customer Efficiency Program for four years, overseeing the implementation of the energy efficiency incentives for solar water heating, residential new construction, low-income families and ENERGY STAR® appliances. He also helped commercial and industrial facilities save energy for five years.
Derrick converted all of his lights into CFLs starting in the year 2000 and his home now has a solar water heater. His TV sets are rated high performance premium efficiency and he makes sure his appliances are plugged into power strips that can be turned off after use to reduce “phantom loads” (electronics use electricity even when turned off). He also uses ceiling fans so that his air conditioner doesn’t need as much energy to run.
Bing Wang, Business Manager
Bing Wang is responsible for ensuring compliance to processes and procedures, management of budget and resource, and all reporting on behalf of Hawaii Energy.
Bing moved to Hawaii in 2004. Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, she worked as budget manager and fuel manager for Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines for six years. She holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an LL.M. degree in law from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also has an attorney license from the State of New York.
Bing reduces her energy consumption in a number of ways. Since 2004, she's been driving a hybrid car and she converted all her lights to CFLs in 2007.
Kyle Akagi, Program Specialist
As a Hawaii Energy program specialist, Kyle Akagi verifies energy efficient technology installations, processes rebates and discusses energy efficiency options with customers.
Before joining Hawaii Energy, Kyle performed similar functions as program coordinator for Honeywell Utility Solutions. His work experience includes seven years with the Board of Water Supply and another seven years as assistant manager at Town & County Surf Designs. He is trained in electrical installation and maintenance as well as in energy efficiency installations for air conditioners.
Kyle has a solar water heating system and he replaced the old T12 fluorescent fixtures at his home with T8s and electronic ballasts.
Email: akagik(at)saic(dot)com
Lily Koo, Program Specialist
Lily has been promoting and implementing energy conservation measures for local businesses for the past five years. She was previously a program specialist at Hawaiian Electric Company, working for commercial and industrial energy solutions and load control programs.
She has over 10 years of experience in marketing and has organized numerous energy-related industry trade shows for energy companies, building managers, architects and engineers. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Lily believes energy conservation can be easily implemented at a home. Hers is equipped with window tinting, insulated walls, energy efficient appliances, a solar water heating system and CFLs.
Sectors: Education, office buildings, hotels and banking
Email: kool(at)saic(dot)com
Calvin Wong, Program Specialist
Calvin Wong is experienced in organizational and administrative management, having worked in operations, environmental service, and maintenance programs for many years. As program specialist, he processes energy rebates and assists customers with their energy conservation needs through consulting, audits and inspections of various projects.
Calvin previously worked as a district reserve manager for Sodexho, a hospital management firm; an operations manager for Holiday Inn; and a program specialist for Hawaiian Electric Company prior to joining Hawaii Energy. He has also worked for the Outrigger Ohana Hotels, the Aston Hotels and managed Marriott’s lodging operations for oil companies in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.
Calvin holds degrees in business management and travel management.
At home, Calvin changed to CFLs and maximizes daylight. He also takes advantage of island trade winds for cooling.
Sectors: Industrial, military, federal, city and state.
Contact: wongcal(at)saic(dot)com
Kelly Nakamura, Program Specialist
As program specialist, Kelly Nakamura assists her colleagues in processing and verifying energy efficient installations.
Before joining Hawaii Energy, Kelly coordinated and conducted inspections and prepared post-inspection reports for commercial facilities as an inspector for Honeywell. She has served in various administrative positions for Syncadd Systems, TeamPraxis and Kuakini Health Systems.
Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Hawaii.
Kelly got her family to switch to CFLs, turn off the lights when not in use and buy ENERGY STAR® appliances.
Sectors: Condominiums, national accounts, shopping centers and health care.
Contact:mattsonk(at)saic(dot)com
Carin Iha, Administrative Assistant
Carin Iha joined Hawaii Energy after serving as office manager for Akahi Services, a professional landscaping company, and as administrative coordinator for the Faculty Assembly Office at Hawaii Pacific University.
Carin completed her bachelor's degree in communication while working at HPU's College of Communication, Adult Continuing Education and Registrar’s Office.
Carin has installed a solar water heatingsystem, a solar ceiling fan and CFLs to reduce her family’s energy use. Carin is enjoying working for the Hawaii Energy and learning and sharing more energy-saving tips.
Helen Ohashi, Program Analyst
As program analyst, Helen Ohashi assists with financial accountability and other reporting needs. Prior to Hawaii Energy, she worked in the human resources field at various organizations where she focused on benefits, recruitment and employment. Prior to Hawaii Energy, she worked at Johnson Controls as a service operations agent after making a career change. Her job duties there included contract management and accounting (accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliation and billing).
Helen graduated from the University of Hawaii with a bachelor’s degree in business administration focusing on personnel and industrial relations. She enjoys walking, crafts, baking, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Helen has a daughter who recently graduated from college and a son who attends college in California.
In order to save energy, Helen takes public transportation to work and is switching to CFLs.
Caroline Neary, Program Specialist
Caroline brings over five years experience in community outreach and education. She works to process applications for energy efficiency measures and meets with various contractors, trade allies and businesses about projects.
Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, Caroline worked at The Kohala Center to implement energy saving programs on the Hawaii Island. She organized CFL bulb distribution and exchange fundraisers for student and community organizations. Caroline also oversaw the ReefTeach and Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring program at Kahaluu Bay in Kailua-Kona.
Caroline holds a bachelor’s degree in Environment and Development from McGill University. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in geographic information science and technology through the University of Southern California online. She takes many steps to reduce her energy consumption. You will often see her roller skating or riding her bike. Additionally, she uses only CFL bulbs at home and purchases ENERGY STAR® appliances. Her condominium also has solar-powered ventilation fans.
Sectors: Big Island
Contact: nearyc(at)saic(dot)com
