Energy Entrepreneur Darren Kimura Builds a Global Company in Hawaii

Now that the price of oil hovers above $70 per barrel, developing options for assuring Hawaii's energy independence has become important again. Hawaii, unlike any other state, has the opportunity to explore almost every possible alternative including wind, solar, wave, geothermal, ocean thermal energy conversion, bio-diesel, ethanol and cellulosic ethanol. However, energy conservation is one of the few things that can be done right now to impact Hawaii's dependence on imported oil.

HVCA is honored to present to its members, Mr. Darren Kimura, an accomplished entrepreneur who built a global energy business based in Hawaii devoted to effective energy conservation. Energy Industries designs energy retrofit solutions that will generate long-term energy and maintenance cost savings for large commercial, industrial and residential customers. "Darren Kimura proves that a Hawaii entrepreneur can build a salient global technology business in Hawaii," said Bill Spencer, President of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. Mr. Kimura will discuss alternative energy solutions available to Hawaii and the importance of energy conservation as we wait for new technologies to come on line.

Mr. Kimura began his career in the energy industry working at his family's electrical contracting business in 1988. In 1994, he left the family business to found Energy Conservation Hawaii (ECH). Since founding ECH, he went on to found 7 other start up companies in the energy industry. 6 of these companies and ECH merged together to form Energy Industries. The last company was spun out.

Over his career, Mr. Kimura achieved award winning status as an entrepreneur and has been recognized by Ernst and Young for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000, Pacific Business News' inaugural Top Forty under 40, and the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Hawaii, California, Nevada, Arizona and Guam in 2002. He has also compiled 8 certificates and awards that include recognition by the US Senate, and the Hawaii State Legislature to name a few.

He is a recognized expert in electrical distributed generation systems, traditional energy conservation systems and renewable energy systems and has been a speaker for the US Department of Energy, Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Electric Company, Hawaii Electric Light Company, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Guam Energy Office, and the Palau Energy Office.

The luncheon meeting will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2006 at the Plaza Club from 11:30AM - 1:30PM.

This event is expected to be heavily attended.Reservations are required and preference will be given to members of HVCA and HS&TC. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by Wednesday, August 23rd but it is suggested to reserve early as seating is limited!

Call Gail at 262-7329 to register or email windcon@hawaii.rr.com

Date: Thursday, August 24th, 2006
Time: 11:30 Registration; 12:00 Lunch and Program; 1:30 Adjourn
Place: Plaza Club - 900 Fort Street Mall - 20th Floor
Cost: $29 HVCA, HS&TC and DualUse Council Members, UH & HPU Faculty; $39 for Non-Members; $25 for Students

No validated parking.
Public parking available at Harbor Court, First Hawaiian and Ali'i Place.