Puna Geothermal Venture
Mike Kaleikini
Plant Manager
Mike Kaleikini is responsible for supplying Hawaii Island’s residents with clean, renewable geothermal energy. As the Plant Manger of Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV), Kaleikini is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the 30-megawatt geothermal power plant in the Big Island’s Puna district.
PGV has been in commercial operation for 14 years, and has provided approximately a quarter of the Big Island’s electrical needs. Kaleikini oversees all of the plant’s operations and ensures compliance with all contractual, environmental and safety standards.
With more than 22 years of combined experience in propulsion plants, operations and maintenance, and power generation industries, Kaleikini joined PGV in 1991 as a plant operator.
Previously, Kaleikini served in the US Navy as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician, and spent five years at sea aboard the USS David R. Ray (DD-971).
The Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii benefit from Kaleikini’s knowledge and experience in renewable energy in the islands. Kaleikini stands as resource to the Hawaii Island community, working on developing real energy solutions to reduce the state’s dependence on foreign fuel.
Kaleikini is a proud graduate of Kamehameha School and Foothills Jr. College in Los Altos Hills, California.
Kaleikini is married and has two sons, and when he’s not overseeing the plant’s activities, he enjoys camping, fishing, family gatherings, and spending weekends farming and tending to the family’s livestock.