Hawaii Solar Energy Association Elects New Board

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

HONOLULU – The Hawaii Solar Energy Association (HSEA) today announced its newly elected board of directors for 2012. The board will lead the association in its efforts to improve the solar industry in Hawaii, including developing policy and advocating for legislation and standards to advance solar energy as a key component of reducing the Islands’ dependence on fossil fuels.

“While solar has grown rapidly in recent years, our focus as the oldest and most established solar organization in Hawaii is to bring the industry together to work with consumers, government and the private sector to help create a more sustainable solar industry and clean energy future for our state,” said incoming vice president and public affairs officer Andrew Yani.

“I’m honored that HSEA members have placed their trust and confidence in this new board, which includes a mix of past officers and directors who have been instrumental in advancing the solar industry in Hawaii along with new board members who will bring a fresh perspective and approach going forward,” added incoming president Gabriel Chong.

The 2012 HSEA board members are:

Gabriel Chong, president – Chong is the special projects manager for Sunetric, a Hawaii-based, owned and operated firm specializing in the development of residential, commercial and public-sector renewable-energy projects. Chong holds certifications as a photovoltaic installer and technical sales professional from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
Andrew Yani, vice president –Yani is the principal of Bonterra Solar, a local solar installation company founded in 2009. He recently returned home after 10 years building companies on the mainland to help further renewable energy and solar power in the Hawaiian Islands.
Rick Reed, senior policy adviser – A past HSEA president, Reed is president of The Solaray Corporation and represents SunEarth Inc. on the board. He has served on the boards of the Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington, D.C., and Solar Rating & Certification Corporation and is the current president of the California Solar Industries Association.
Gary Ralston, secretary – Ralston is founder and owner of Hawaiian Island Solar, which has been installing hot water and photovoltaic systems statewide since 1983. Ralston was also a former director of the HSEA.
Rolf Christ, treasurer – Christ is president and CEO of R&R Solar Supply. He has served on the HSEA board for more than 17 years, including several terms as president. He also currently serves on the board of directors of the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.
Cully Judd, board member emeritus – A founding member of HSEA in 1977, Judd started in the solar industry in the early 1970s. Judd is the owner of Inter-Island Solar Supply, a Hawaii-based distributor of renewable energy equipment founded in 1975, and SunEarth, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of solar thermal equipment in the United States.

Founded in 1977, HSEA comprises installers, distributors, manufacturers, auditors and financiers of solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The majority of member companies are locally owned and operated, making HSEA the leading voice of Hawaii’s solar industry.

For additional information or to become a member of the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, visit www.hsea.org.

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For more information, contact:
Andrew Yani
Vice President
Hawaii Solar Energy Association
(808) 888-9954