Our Team
H. Ray Starling, Program Director
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Ray Starling is program director for Hawaii Energy. Prior to this position, he developed renewable energy projects in Hawaii, including ice thermal storage air conditioning and hydro-electric generation.
He has also served in legal and executive positions at two electric utilities (Hawaiian Electric and Carolina Power & Light Company) over a total of 14 years, and he recently retired as a Major General in the Air National Guard JAG Corps after a 37-year career in active and reserve military service. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from N.C. State University and a J.D. from Wake Forest Law School and is licensed to practice law in Hawaii, North Carolina and Guam.
Ray lives in a Net-Zero home and drives an electric vehicle.
Michael Chang, Director of Strategy & Innovation
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
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 M.B.A. from the University of Hawaii. 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 percent in energy use.
Steve Chang, Program Development Specialist
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Steve Chang is the program development specialist for Hawaii Energy. Prior to this position, Steve was the ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act) project manager utilizing government stimulus funds to enhance, create and complement existing program offerings, including solar water heating, ENERGY STAR® and customized incentives.
He held both technical and management positions for various utilities and energy service companies (Sempra Utilities, PG&E Energy Services, the Gas Company, Hawaiian Electric and Johnson Controls) for over 20 years. Steve holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from California Polytechnic University and an M.B.A. from the University of La Verne.
Steve walks to work and practices conservation and energy efficiency at home with CFLs, smart strips and natural ventilation.
Ramsey Brown, Energy Engineer
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Ramsey Brown is an energy engineer for Hawaii Energy where he is always looking to improve current programs including solar water heating, ENERGY STAR® rebates, and cooling and lighting energy reduction. He also works with the team creating new possibilities for transformative energy reduction in Hawaii’s homes.
Ramsey studied abroad in England before graduating from the California Maritime Academy with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. After committing a year of service in Boston schools and summer programs, Ramsey worked in the maritime industry on the team designing, building, and operating the first hybrid ferries in the country. Ultimately this global training led to him home to pursue his dream of creating a completely sustainable Hawaii.
Ramsey catches the bus to work, uses solar water heating and energy-efficient lighting at home, and actively promotes energy efficiency to family and friends. When not reading a good book, Ramsey enjoys surfing, hiking, dancing hula and meeting new friends.
Shan Wirt, Director of Communications
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Shan Wirt is the director of communications for Hawaii Energy. She is responsible for developing and managing a strong and consistent communications strategy for the program.
Shan’s roots are in communications – in both the legal and marketing realm. Most recently, Shan was a litigation attorney. She practiced with two mid-size Honolulu law firms where she provided strategic legal advice to clients ranging from FORTUNE 500® companies to local businesses in matters involving corporate, trust, contract, real property and tort issues. Before practicing law, Shan worked for one of the state’s largest public relations firms, as well as a well-regarded boutique firm. Her work focused on media relations and integrated marketing communications for the tourism and hospitality industry. Shan has a B.A. in journalism - public relations with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, as well as a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law.
In her free time, Shan enjoys thrift store treasure-hunting, reading and traveling abroad. To reduce her dependence on imported fuel, she walks to work (as well as practically everywhere in town) and uses natural ventilation at home. You will often find her turning off lights when not in use – even in other people’s homes and offices.
Maile Alsup, Marketing Manager
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Maile Alsup is the marketing manager for Hawaii Energy where she will lead the marketing efforts for the Program. This includes developing, coordinating, overseeing and implementing all aspects of the Program's marketing plan including marketing, advertising and promotions.
Most recently, Maile was a marketing associate for Aloha United Way where she planned and coordinated special events; managed all online marketing activities including content management of their website; and coordinated other marketing projects including collateral development.
Maile recently served as the president of Ad 2 Honolulu, a young professional’s organization in the advertising, marketing and communications fields.
Jennifer Ueki, Director of Finance
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Jennifer Ueki manages the financial and administrative areas for Hawaii Energy, including budgeting, reporting, accounting, procurement and human resources.
Jennifer is a CPA with a background in public accounting at a national firm. She most recently was a manager with the State of Hawaii, where she oversaw financial audits and examinations and was involved with strategic planning, contract management and procurement. She is also a licensed attorney and previously practiced employment litigation and labor law.
Jennifer updated her home with energy-efficient appliances and lighting in 2009. Her family is conscientious about turning off lights and primarily keeps cool with natural breezes and ceiling fans.
Helen Ohashi, Administrative & Resource Specialist
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Helen Ohashi is responsible for supervising the administrative team and serves as the human resources liaison and coordinates all recruitment activities for Hawaii Energy. She also provides support to the business manager and assists with accounting projects and reports.
Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, she worked for many years in human resources for multiple local firms. Prior to Hawaii Energy, she was a service operations agent for Johnson Controls, Inc. She holds a B.B.A. in personnel and industrial relations from the University of Hawaii.
Helen reduces her energy consumption by commuting to work via public transportation, walking whenever possible, converting to CFLs and installing a solar attic fan. She is also an advocate of taking advantage of Hawaii’s trade winds whenever possible.
Carin Iha, Administrative Assistant
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Carin Iha is the administrative assistant providing support to accounting, management and staff. She also coordinates purchasing and events for Hawaii Energy.
She 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. She holds a B.A. in communication from Hawaii Pacific University.
Carin installed a solar water heating, a solar attic fan, and CFLs in all light fixtures in her home. She is trying to teach her son and his cub scout pack how to reduce energy use, recycle and reuse when possible. She is a Cub Scout Assistant Den Leader of Pack 147.
Winona Prette, Accounting Assistant
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Winona Prette is the accounting assistant at Hawaii Energy. She assists the business manager with various accounting functions for processing financial data.
Winona has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hawaii Pacific University. Her work experience includes working for a small woman-owned business where she initiated the company’s goal toward better business management by updating its accounting process, using online resources as tools for the business, and organizing files for secure data storage.
Her awareness of energy conservation developed as the company focused on energy conservation to help minimize costs. She took what she learned home. Now her home shines with CFLs, the air conditioning stays off longer, and she unplugs not-in-use appliances, air fresheners, and chargers. These are little steps she takes that pay off big time.
Working at Hawaii Energy provides Winona with resources to learn more about energy conservation and she challenges herself to think of creative ways of saving energy.
Larry Newman, Director of Operations
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Larry Newman serves as the director of operations where he oversees the transformational, business and residential programs.
Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, Larry supported energy efficiency programs for Honeywell Utility Solutions and consulted to the utility industry with Navigant Consulting. His background includes engineering, business planning and product management roles in heavy construction, industrial gases and start-ups.
Larry holds a B.E. in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. from NYU’s Stern School of Business, where he also attended Manchester Business School in the U.K.
Larry focuses on conservation after replacing all his lighting with CFLs. He’s conscientious of shutting the lights off, limiting hot water use and rarely using his air conditioner.
Derrick Sonoda, Transformational Program Manager
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
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 manages Hawaii Energy's transformational program.
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 to 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.
Kyle Akagi, Business Program Manager
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
As the Hawaii Energy business program manager, 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.
Caroline Carl, Program Specialist, Hawaii County
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Caroline Carl brings over five years experience in community outreach and education. As the Hawaii County program specialist, 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.
Walter Enomoto, Program Specialist, Maui County
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Walter Enomoto is the program specialist for Hawaii Energy in Maui County. He helps to implement all Hawaii Energy residential and commercial programs and processes applications for energy efficiency measures. Walter also meets with various trade allies, vendors, and business owners, as well provides presentations to different groups and organizations to promote energy efficiency.
Prior to this position, Walter developed renewable energy projects in Maui County including the first Feed In Tariff (FIT) systems in the State of Hawaii and first solar PPA in Maui County. He also served previously as the Commercial and Industrial Program Manager for Maui Electric Company’s Demand Side Management Program. His educational background includes the first Associate’s Degree in sustainable technologies from Maui Community College /UH Maui and a bachelor of business administration from UH-Hilo.
When not working, Walter enjoys bicycling, photography, movies and astronomy pursuits. He was also recognized by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine as one of its “Environmental Heroes” for 2011 for his 2 decades of work advocating bicycle use. At home, Walter has a solar hot water system, CFL and LED lights, eco-friendly washing machine and clothesline, as well as an energy-monitoring power strip.
Lily Koo, Program Specialist
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Lily Koo is a program specialist for Hawaii Energy. Prior to this position, Lily worked for Hawaiian Electric Company’s commercial and industrial energy solutions and load control programs. She has been promoting and implementing energy conservation measures for local businesses for the past six years. Her responsible sectors include: education, office buildings, hotels and banking. Lily holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Her house is equipped with window tinting, insulated walls, energy efficient appliances, a solar water heating system, solar PV and CFLs.
Lisa Harmon, Program Specialist
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Lisa Harmon is a commercial program specialist for Hawaii Energy.
Marketing and coordinating energy efficiency programs to businesses in the condominium, health care, shopping center and national accounts sectors is Lisa’s responsibility at Hawaii Energy. She enjoys seeing businesses benefit from the incentive programs that enable them to invest in superior technology and reduce both their energy consumption and electric costs.
Having lived in Hawaii for 15 years, Lisa enjoys and appreciates the natural beauty of the islands, like eating the mangos that grow on her backyard tree. On weekends, Lisa rides Dressage on her beautiful Warmblood mare, Wendy. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Southern California.
To reduce energy consumption at home, taking advantage of Hawaii’s cool, tropical breezes along with a solar powered attic fan eliminates the need for air conditioning. Lisa has also installed tubular skylights and LED lighting in her home.
Meagan Suzuki, Junior Program Specialist
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Meagan Suzuki is a junior program specialist for Hawaii Energy. Meagan develops, markets and coordinates leading edge energy efficiency programs for the hard-to-reach business sector, including restaurants, small businesses and non-profits.
She is developing Hawaii’s first incentive program designed to assist restaurants with energy efficient commercial kitchen investments. Meagan is also developing and coordinating the Small Business Direct Install Lighting Program, a no-cost, turn-key lighting retrofit program designed to help small businesses reduce energy consumption and electricity costs.
Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, Meagan interned at a local energy efficiency and renewable energy company where she supported the photovoltaic department, wrote case studies and designed marketing material for efficiency and renewable energy projects. She previously worked as an assistant association manager for a national medical association in Chicago. Meagan studied in Boston, Hawaii, Ireland and Chicago, and holds a B.Sc. in natural resources and environmental management with a focus in economics from the University of Hawaii. While at Boston University, Meagan started a recycling program for the West Campus residence halls.
Meagan spends most of her free time surfing and hiking with her golden retriever. She enjoys music festivals, traveling abroad and volunteering outdoors for environmental causes. To reduce her energy consumption, Meagan utilizes solar thermal water heating, natural ventilation and drives a hybrid vehicle.
Ian Tierney, Junior Program Specialist
Hawaii Energy
Conservation and Efficiency Program
Ian Tierney is a junior program specialist for Hawaii Energy where he assists specialists with projects and incentive applications for energy efficiency measures.
Before joining Hawaii Energy, Ian interned with the Kupu Rewarding internships for Sustainable Employment (RISE) program at the State of Hawaii Department of Health Environmental Management division. While interning, Ian provided administrative support for EPA grant funding to reduce air pollution in the state through emerging technologies. Ian has gained energy efficiency awareness while at the University of Hawaii studying sustainable development (B.A.) through club leadership and internships.
Outside of work, Ian can be found scaling mountains, surfing across waves and caring for Hawaii's resources through service learning. To reduce his footprint, Ian utilizes public transit, rides his bike, employs CFLs, power strips, low flow showers, tradewind cooling at home, maintains a garden and capitalizes on the backyard clothesline.