The HALE Program: Saving Energy, Sharing Aloha

By Makani Taniguchi, Residential Energy Services Specialist 

As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, KIUC does its best to keep rates as low as possible for its members. We know families on Kauaʻi and around the country are feeling the rising cost of living and looking for ways to manage their expenses. If a member calls about an unusually high bill, our member service representatives try to assist or refer the member to our energy services team for a home audit. This is part of our Home Assessment Learning Experience program.  

KIUC Energy Services Residential Specialist Makani Taniguchi takes on high bills like an energy detective. Read about the HALE program home visits in Makani’s own words. 

Why do I love my job?  

For me, it starts with the people. Every day I walk into work with one simple goal—to lift someone’s spirit. Whether it’s through a smile, a laugh or sharing a bit of Aloha, I’ve found that when I bring that energy to others, it comes right back to me. 

That mindset didn’t come from nowhere. Growing up, I was taught to help people from the heart without expecting anything in return. That lesson has stayed with me, and it’s shaped the way I show up every day. 

At KIUC, I get the chance to live that out. I’m able to help our members become more energy efficient, but it’s more than just the work itself. It’s the conversations, the different personalities I meet and the relationships I build along the way. Those connections turn everyday moments into something meaningful. 

And at the end of the day, I get to step back and realize something pretty special—I’m getting paid to do what I genuinely love: helping our members and spreading a little bit of positivity wherever I can. 

Saving More Than Energy 

A few years ago, a call was transferred to me from the call center. On the line was a kupuna, clearly shaken, asking for an urgent home energy audit after receiving an unusually high electric bill. I drove out to his home that same day. When I arrived, he was visibly upset and trying to make sense of it all—wondering if his meter was faulty or even if a neighbor might somehow be drawing power from his home. 

He lived in a modest one-bedroom cottage with very few appliances—nothing that could reasonably explain such high use. He insisted his habits hadn’t changed at all. Still, the numbers told a different story. 

I began my routine inspection but didn’t find anything obviously wrong. Thankfully, KIUC had recently upgraded its metering system, giving us access to real-time usage data. When I checked, the reading showed a constant draw of 500 watts—running 24 hours a day. 

That gave me a direction. I started a breaker test, switching circuits one by one while monitoring the load. When I flipped the breaker labeled “bedroom outlets,” the 500-watt draw instantly disappeared. I went straight to the bedroom. Getting down on my hands and knees, I traced the outlets to a desk setup. Behind a printer, hidden from view, I found the culprit—a decades-old power strip that was arcing, melting and on the verge of catching fire. The wall behind it was scorched, and the carpet was already burned. 

I unplugged it immediately and showed the man what I’d found. He was speechless—eyes welling up as the reality set in. What started as a frightening bill turned out to be something far more dangerous. 

That day, we didn’t just solve a billing mystery—we likely prevented a house fire. More importantly, we gave this member peace of mind. 

I love my job because moments like that remind me it’s not just about energy—it’s about people, safety and making a real difference. 

Energy Wise Guy Tips

Top 6 Causes of a High Bill at Home

• Hot water leak
• Air conditioner use
• Dehumidifier
• Incandescent lighting
• Space heater
• Malfunctioning solar photovoltaic system  

If you have a concern about your monthly electricity bill, call us at 808.246.4300 or visit our website at kiuc.coop/hale-program. Download an application, and email it to info@kiuc.coop. 

Aloha from Kekaha! 

I am writing to express my gratitude for Residential Energy Specialist Makani Taniguchi. He is an absolute treasure for our communities on Kauai. You can tell he loves his job—a rarity.  

Recently, Makani assisted me with KIUC’s Qualifying Member Appliance Replacement Program (QMARP) “Kupuna” program regarding refrigeration replacement. I would never have known about it if not for him.  As we age, financial worries are many when it comes to maintenance and replacement items in our homes.  

Please give many kudos to Makani—I’ve said it before that I wish we could clone him. He is such a great inspiration and asset for KIUC!  

Thank you too Beth for all the great community assistance that KIUC provides. Kauai is most definitely better off since KIUC came into being. I’ve been here since 1978 and I know this for a fact!!  

Best wishes, 

Jackie Thompson

Captions: (Top) Managing use of a water heater can save significant dollars on an electric bill. (Below) Makani attending a Board of Realtors meeting to educate them about energy savings. Makani discusses energy savings strategies with a residential member.