Hawain Electric Industries Inc (HE)

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Hawaiian Electric Company Announces Appointment to Its Board of Directors

HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2008--Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., (HECO), utility subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE), today announced the appointment of Alan Oshima to its board of directors.

Oshima is currently senior vice president and general counsel for Hawaiian Telcom and will transition to the position of director and senior advisor for Hawaiian Telcom after June 30. He was founding partner of the law firm, Oshima Chun Fong & Chung, LLP. where in addition to his work in telecommunications, he served as the regulatory attorney for the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, The Gas Company, various water and sewer companies & other utility-related businesses.

"Alan is an exceptional individual who brings important regulatory expertise and a deep passion and understanding of the communities we serve," said Constance H. Lau, Hawaiian Electric Company board chair and president & CEO of its parent company, HEI. "These strengths will help guide our company in its efforts to provide a cleaner energy future for the state of Hawaii."

Oshima has been recognized by the Hawaii State Bar Association with its Pro Bono Service Award for his countless hours of volunteer legal work in the community. He has also been recognized as one of "America's Best Lawyers" in the field of public utilities. Among his community activities, he serves on the board of the YMCA of Honolulu, where he previously served as chairman, and as Vice President of Hawaii 3Rs, a non-profit organization that facilitates government, business, community, and school partnerships to repair, remodel and restore Hawaii public schools.

Oshima replaces David Cole, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. (ML&P), who recently resigned his seat on the board as ML&P increases its own involvement in renewable energy initiatives.

Hawaiian Electric Company, together with its subsidiaries Maui Electric Company and Hawaii Electric Light Company, supplies power to over 400,000 customers or 95% of the Hawaii's population on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

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CONTACT: Hawaiian Electric Company
Lynne T. Unemori
Vice President, Corporate Relations
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: 808-543-4476

SOURCE: Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.



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