About Caroline

As Hawaii Energy’s Executive Director, Caroline oversees the detailed planning and execution of a range of energy efficiency programs helping Hawaii families and businesses save money and make smart energy choices. She is responsible for the design of Hawaii Energy’s new energy optimization initiatives targeting peak demand reduction and load flexibility. As part of this work she spearheads a number of collaborative planning efforts with key industry stakeholders supporting the adoption of clean energy technologies. Caroline also directs the market transformational program which is designed to provide education and enable behavioral transformation that will lead to energy savings in future years.

Caroline has been extensively involved in energy research initiatives in Hawaii for the past 15 years, designing and developing programs, and managing community outreach activities. She currently serves as Board President for the Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE) and has been a Board member of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association (HSEA) since 2018. Caroline holds a B.A in Environment and Development from McGill University and a M.S. in Geographic Information Science and Technology from the University of Southern California.

How I Save

I take many steps to reduce my energy consumption. I often roller skate or ride my bike. Additionally, I use only CFL bulbs at home and I purchased ENERGY STAR® appliances. My condominium also has solar-powered ventilation fans.

About Mireya

Mireya Gonzalez Norman has eleven years of experience in program finance. Previously, Mireya worked for the Leidos Security Products Group as a Senior Project Controller, managing the financials on numerous domestic and international security technology projects. She started her career as a Financial Analyst in Raytheon Company's Financial Leadership Development Program. Mireya has a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master's in International Affairs from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

How I Save

I walk to work and use public transportation as much as possible. My home has energy-efficient appliances and I use ceiling fans as an alternative to air conditioning.

About Marissa

Marissa Kunsch is an Energy Advisor at Hawaii Energy. Prior to this position, Marissa worked as a utility rates analyst at Energy Toolbase, LLC. Her work experience includes internships with both the Hawaii Green Business Program and the Sierra Club of Hawaii. Marissa also works part time as an assistant coach to the Hawaii Pacific University cross country team. She received a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.A. in Global Leadership & Sustainable Development from HPU.

How I Save

I typically wash my clothes on the cold water cycle on an ENERGY STAR washer and hang them to dry outside. My house has energy efficient appliances, and I always make sure to turn off or unplug appliances when not in use. I try to take Biki over driving when possible.

About Walter

Walter Enomoto is currently 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. He 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 two decades of work advocating bicycle use.

How I Save

At home, I have a solar hot water system, CFL and LED lights, an eco-friendly washing machine and clothesline, as well as an energy-monitoring power strip.

About Graceson

Graceson works closely with Hawaii Island businesses both large and small to provide energy efficiency consultation and assist with processing financial incentives. He also supports residential projects and assists with conducting community outreach and educational events.

He has more than 20 years of hands-on trades experience including energy-efficient retrofits such as lighting, motors, control systems, as well as renewable energy and electrical systems for on-grid and off-grid applications that include photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal.

Prior to Hawaii Energy, Graceson was the Sustainability Coordinator at Hawaii Community College in Hilo. There he led a project to integrate sustainability principles and technologies into the college’s Electrical, Carpentry, Architecture and Landscaping programs. Additionally, he co-developed the University of Hawaii (UH) Sustainability Strategy aimed at engaging stakeholders across UH’s 10 campus system, which led to the UH Board of Regents revising its mission statement to include a commitment to carbon neutrality.

Graceson obtained a Bachelor of Science degree through the Global Environmental Science program at UH Manoa with a focus on the lifecycle of biofuel production. He also earned a Master of Arts in Geography with a focus on Cumulative Effects Assessment within Hawaii’s Environmental Law and Planning processes.

How I Save

My home is completely off grid, I use LED lighting, energy efficient appliances, and drive a fuel efficient car.

About Malia

Malia’s role at Hawaii Energy is to work closely with the Hawaii County Manager to execute energy incentive programs and advisory services for businesses and residents. Malia graduated from University of Hawaii at Hilo where she received a B.S. in Environmental Science and minored in Geology

How I Save

I save energy by plugging my appliances and devices in to smart power strips and turning the power strips off when the devices are not in use. Additionally, all my light fixtures at home are equipped with LED bulbs.

About Lily

Lily Koo is the Business 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 eight years. Her responsible sectors include: hotels, federal, state and city & county. Lily holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an Associate's degree in Paralegal.

How I Save

My house is equipped with window tinting, insulated walls, energy efficient appliances, a solar water heating system, solar PV and LED lamps.

About Eileen

Eileen is the Energy Advisor for the industrial sector. Eileen worked in operations and development for the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice prior to coming to Hawaii Energy. She holds a BS in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech.

How I Save

I walk or e-bike as much as possible to get around town. At home, I use LED lighting and unplug or turn off appliances and electronics when not in use.

About Lacey

Lacey is an energy advisor for retail and new construction sectors. She helps businesses make smart energy choices that save energy and money. She is also a student in the Executive MBA program at Shidler College of Business. Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, Lacey worked with her family’s business in commercial and residential real estate in Hawaii and Minnesota for 15 years. She managed Waimalu Shopping Center in Aiea and planned and oversaw its renovation and placement on both the Hawaii and National Register of Historic Places. Lacey previously worked as a planner after receiving a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Southern California.

How I Save

My family has driven an electric car since 2011. We have a solar water heater and use CFL and LED lights at home.

About Hoang

Hoang Tran is the Energy Efficiency Advisor for Hawaii Energy. His primary responsibility is to assist customers in identifying energy saving opportunities and provide businesses with consultation and implementation of energy efficiency and conservation initiatives to reduce utility and operational costs. Prior to this, he was the Sales and Digital Manager for a local radio station where he managed a diverse sales team, and was responsible for creating marketing and branding campaigns for local businesses on Oahu. Hoang brings over 12 years of marketing experience.

Hoang received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from San Jose State University and MBA from Chaminade University of Honolulu.

How I Save

I save energy by switching out all my lights to LED’s. I have a solar water heater. We do try and do laundry during off-peak hours. We utilize the ceiling fans before turning on the AC.

About Chester

Chester coordinates the execution of many of Hawaii Energy’s most critical programs, centered around community engagement pilots in rural communities. Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, he worked for Maui County’s Office of Council Services and in Washington, D.C, for the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, where his portfolio included rural energy, climate change, appliance standards and energy efficiency. He has also worked at the Alaska State Senate and, for several years, in broadcast radio in both Alaska and California. Chester has a bachelor’s degree in film and video production from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

How I Save

My parents instilled in me early growing up in Alaska to not carelessly leave the lights on. Since then, I’ve always tried to adhere to the less-is-more approach to energy usage. Use less of it when you can and use it as efficiently as possible otherwise. Plus, I need to make up for the guilt that comes with the terrible miles per gallon my old 4Runner gets.

About Arden

Arden’s role at Hawaii Energy is to work closely with the Energy Advantage program to help Clean Energy Allies through the rebate application process. Arden also supports the tracking and documentation of site installations with energy partners for the Oahu business team. In addition, Arden helps with tracking target goals with the transformational team as they prepare and carry out programming in the community. Arden graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics.

How I Save

Our home is equipped with solar PV, energy-efficient appliances, and LED bulbs. We hang our clothes to dry outside and always prefer opening up more windows instead of turning on the A/C. I also carpool going to and from work!

About Claire

Claire Krebs is Hawaii Energy's Residential Program Manager. She has been working within the energy efficiency industry for the last five years and has a passion for helping customers reduce their energy consumption and save money on electric bills. Prior to Hawaii Energy, Claire lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia implementing residential utility energy efficiency rebate programs throughout the state. Claire is a certified Building Analyst through the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Environmental Studies from the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

How I Save

We use smart power strips, air-dry our clothes, and installed ceiling fans throughout the home to minimize AC usage!

About Justin

As a Program Support Specialist, Justin supports projects that reduce the burden of high energy costs in residential communities. Over the past 5 years, he has been working with clean energy allies, non-profit organizations, property managers, and community leaders to ensure that energy-efficiency products, services, and education are accessible and affordable. Justin has also worked for Honeywell Smart Energy and holds a Green Designation from the National Association of REALTORS®.

How I Save

I started by doing a few simple things and they had an immediate impact. Easy to install LED light bulbs and high-efficiency shower heads. Recently, I upgraded all my appliances to ENERGY STAR® and added power management strips to my entertainment systems.

About Denise

Denise implements programs that make energy efficiency more accessible and affordable to all communities across the state. Prior to joining Hawaii Energy, she worked in a variety of industries including energy conservation, public works, and aerospace. Outside of work, you can find Denise volunteering, studying (#lifelonglearner), or somewhere in the ocean.

How I Save

I try to first find ways to reduce consumption by asking things like, "Do I really need ___ to be on right now?" In addition, I'll do things like hang my clothes to dry, keep my windows open to take advantage of the cool trade winds, and bicycle to nearby errands.

About Keith

As the Commercial Program Operations Manager, Keith Block helps his team implement energy conservation programs that provide financial incentives to commercial customers to enable them to identify and install energy conservation measures. These energy conservation measures help to reduce customers’ electric bills and help Hawaii meet its energy conservation goals. Keith has over 20 years of experience working in the energy conservation field. Prior to Hawaii Energy, he worked for Hawaiian Electric Company implementing some of the first electric energy conservation programs in the state of Hawaii. Most recently, Keith worked for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command where he identified, designed and implemented energy conservation projects for the Navy Region Hawaii. Keith holds a BS in mechanical engineering from San Diego State University.

How I Save

My home has solar water heating, a photovoltaic solar power system and lots of internal energy conservation measures.

About Vinh

Vinh joined the Hawaii Energy team in May 2017. As the Energy Engineer at Hawaii Energy, Vinh’s areas of focus include: Energy-savings calculation, technical data verification, data acquisition, and process optimization. He also assists Energy Advisors with sector-specific benchmarking and analysis. Previously, Vinh served as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps.

How I Save

My home has solar PV, solar water heater, and LED lights. Additionally, I carpool whenever possible in order to lower my carbon footprint.

About Rohith

As an Energy Engineer, Rohith performs industrial energy audits, energy calculations, and provides recommendations of energy conservation measures to customers. Rohith has a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Mumbai, India and a MS in mechanical engineering from Clemson University. He has an avid appreciation for world history and enjoys reading history books and playing volleyball and table tennis in his spare time.

How I Save

I drive a hybrid car to save on gas. In my apartment, I have a smart thermostat to save on cooling and LEDs to save energy.