VINCE VERNAY

Energy conservation program … an update

The continuing tales of Stanislaus and Kimo of S and K Construction, general contractors, bring to life a real story using fictional names and places.

As Kimo and Stanislaus were heading to the monthly meeting of the St. Vincent Parish Planning and Building Committee, they happened to notice Leeza, a member of the Diocesan Energy Conservation Evaluation Committee.

“Leeza, over here!” called Stanislaus as he mumbled to Kimo, “I’m going to try and find out how the last meeting of the Diocesan Energy Conservation Evaluation Committee went and are those folks making any progress.”

“Stanislaus, take it easy. You know how excited you were when you heard about the effort to tackle the energy conservation issue on a diocese-wide basis.” Kimo whispered.

“Hi, Leeza,” said Stanislaus. “You remember Kimo, don’t you?”

“I sure do,” Leeza replied.

“Well, we were wondering how the last meeting of the Diocesan Energy Conservation Evaluation Committee went. I think that is what it is called.”

“I am glad you asked,” replied Leeza. “The meeting went surprisingly well. The evaluation committee described to the competing energy conservation companies the unique relationship between parishes and the diocese. Judicial Vicar Father Marvin gave an informative presentation of how parishes and the diocese work together under Canon Law. The Canon Law relationship between a parish and the diocese is different from the civil law relationship of a parish with the diocese. It was an eye opener. Each corporation attending received a copy of the diocesan incorporation documents in the State of Hawaii. Of course when the diocese was first incorporated, Hawaii was a territory. It is an interesting piece of history,” said Leeza. She went on, “The attendees asked many questions; for example, who pays the electrical bill, the diocese or the parish? Who signs and approves the contracts? For his part, Father Marvin did a great job.”

Leeza continued, “It was a good exchange of information between the evaluation committee and the companies attending. The companies now have a better idea of what the diocese expects and how to craft their proposed agreements. For example, the diocese expects the selected company to conduct a commercial energy audit of each building of every parish and reduce the existing energy consumption. Based on the commercial energy audit data, the company will determine if it is financially prudent to design and install a renewable energy system to further reduce energy consumption. It is a big challenge for them, but they did not shrink away from it.”

“Leeza, that is great!” exclaimed Stanislaus, his level of excitement rising as he anticipated saving money.

Kimo jumped in, “Okay, Leeza, what is next? Where are they going from here?”

Leeza took a moment to think and replied, “The evaluation committee, with the assistance of an energy consultant, is in the process of drawing up a list of standard questions for each company. The consultant is also drawing up a list of secondary questions that are specific to each company based on their response to previously solicited questions.” Leeza continued, “Once the committee reviews all the questions and arrives at an agreement, they will begin the interview process. Each company will be interviewed separately, and we anticipate that the first go-round will last about two hours per session. Based on the interview results, the evaluation committee will ask the selected company to submit an agreement to conduct and install an energy conservation system for the diocese, parish by parish. Of course, we expect negotiations to take place from a business and a legal perspective. How long that will take is anyone’s guess.”

Leeza continued, “Friends, it’s not over. The selected company must make a presentation to the Diocesan Planning and Building Commission and then to the Bishop’s Diocesan Finance Council.

“Leeza, that sounds great,” said Stanislaus. “It sure appears they are much further along than I thought.”

“It sure does,” said Kimo, who continued, “I think you said this includes every building of every parish. I assume you are including schools.”

“Yes,” replied Leeza. “In fact, the selected company will include energy conservation presentations to the school children so they are involved in the process.”

“Kimo! How do we get a ticket to one of these energy conservation evaluation meetings? I want to see and hear what is going on … it is exciting!”