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Native Hawaiian Chamber supports NextEra purchase of HEI

Kathryn Mykleseth

The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce said Monday it supports NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed $4.3 billion purchase of the state’s largest electric utility.

Deborah Ho‘okano Nishijo, president of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber supports NextEra’s proposed buyout of Hawaiian Electric Industries because it ensures proper investments in Hawaii’s future.

“This merger is the right direction for a clean energy future,” Ho‘okano Nishijo said in a news release. “We have been carefully listening to the Public Utilities Commission hearings and various opinions regarding this merger and believe it is time for us to make our voice known.”

NextEra’s openness to collaborate with local groups combined with NextEra’s resources will be a valuable asset to Hawaii’s future, Ho‘okano Nishijo said.

“NextEra Energy has allowed native Hawaiian voices to be heard,” she said. “It’s valuable for everyone when a mainland company not only brings their expertise and resources to Hawaii, but looks to native Hawaiians for understanding and clarity on the values we hold and the way we do business together.”

“We are humbled to have the endorsement of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce,” said Eric Gleason, president of NextEra Energy Hawaii. “We take very seriously our responsibility to invest on behalf of future generations and look forward to helping Hawaii accelerate its 100 percent renewable energy future.”

8 responses to “Native Hawaiian Chamber supports NextEra purchase of HEI”

  1. islandsun says:

    Hawaiians are easy to buy off these days. Sometimes only takes a plate lunch.

    • choyd says:

      To be fair though, a lot of people haven’t bothered to dig into NextEra’s actual business plan. It looks good from the surface, but once you start digging, especially with an understanding of how mainland energy markets and grids work, it falls apart rather quickly.

    • Warrior32 says:

      Im glad you use Island sun, cause you are truly no Island Son.

      • choyd says:

        Ironic considering you’re backing a deal that sells out the islands.

        • Warrior32 says:

          HECo has asked for help, thy are begging the people of Hawaiian to allow then to allow Nextera to work with them. I have many friends at HECo, linesmen, engineers and executives. They have ask that I support the deal, they the deal is good for Hawaii. I trust them and will support HECo. If the guys on the from line needs help and they say Nextera is good by them, I believe them and trust my fronds at HECo.

  2. 808comp says:

    Wouldn’t trust them at all.

  3. Warrior32 says:

    I am totally in support of Nextera and this endorsement is great. NHCC very rarely takes a position on anything. IMUA Nextera

  4. Mr Mililani says:

    Sorry to say they missed it on this one.

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