New Maui County Energy Commissioner Selected

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa speaks at a Jan. 15 energy press conference. At the time, he announced his intent to hire an energy “czar” for Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development announced that Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has appointed Frederick Redell, a resident of Colorado and 29-year veteran in the energy industry, to serve as Maui County’s new Energy Commissioner.

Redell is currently the Managing Director of Abengoa Solar in Lakewood, Colorado. Prior to that he managed his own engineering firm in California. His energy career started when he was enlisted in the US Navy, taking part in their Nuclear Power Training Program and serving in the submarine service.

A licensed mechanical engineer, county officials say “Redell has a diverse knowledge of nearly every aspect of the energy market, including operations, engineering, research and development, new technologies, project development, financing and management.”

He most recently managed the completion of one of the world’s largest solar power plants, the Mojave Solar Project. On that project, Redell worked with Native American tribes and agencies to ensure that cultural resources were protected throughout construction.

“We went through a rigorous selection process that vetted 10 candidates in all,” said Teena Rasmussen, Director of OED. “The review committee, appointed by the Mayor, was made up of the Mayor’s executive team, as well as business persons from the private sector. The committee’s job was to select and rank the top three candidates for the Mayor’s consideration.”

Mayor Arakawa said he was impressed with the breadth and depth of Redell’s experience. “Frederick Redell will bring a fresh perspective and a lot of knowledge to this important position,” the Mayor said. “His number one job will be to keep the county moving forward on our goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy and to make sure that costs to ratepayers are contained.”

Redell said he is excited about Maui County’s goal of going 100 percent renewable. “This community is going to be a model for the rest of the world one day in terms of energy,” he remark. “It will take some time to study all the aspects and develop a plan, but I look forward to meeting everyone and diving in.”

Redell received his engineering degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago and his Masters of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California, San Diego. He will formally start his position on May 15, 2016.