Kauai Island Utility Cooperative today filed a formal request for a 10.5 percent rate hike with the state Public Utilities Commission.

The increase, which would be applied across all rate classes, would raise an additional $13 million over the cooperative's projected 2010 revenue, the utility said in a news release.

Under KIUC's request, the average residential household using 500 kilowatt-hours a month would see its bill rise by $16 to $131 from $115, according to a public presentation the utility made June 3.

"We know that any rate increase is tough for our members, especially in the current economy," said Randy Hee, KIUC president and chief executive. "Nevertheless, it is necessary so we can assure the cooperative's financial stability and lay the financial foundation for a clean-energy future that is not so vulnerable to high oil prices."

MCCLAIN QUITS ML MAC BOARD

ML Macadamia Orchards LP said University of Hawai'i President David McClain has resigned as a director because he is going on an out-of-state professional improvement leave when his UH term concludes at the end of July.

McClain had served as a director of ML Macadamia managing partner, ML Resources Inc., since September 2000. ML Macadamia said McClain is expected to return to the faculty of UH's Shidler College of Business in August 2010.

MAUI COUNTY WATER, TRASH FEES UP

WAILUKU — Maui County water, sewer and refuse collection fees are going up starting today.

The changes reflect budget ordinances adopted by the County Council earlier this year for fiscal year 2010.

Water rates will increase by an average of 8.5 percent, and sewer rates charged by the Department of Environmental Management will increase by an average of 10 percent.

Also effective tomorrow, new residential refuse collection rates will apply: Residents on Maui and Moloka'i will pay $18 per month (up from $14 per month) and residents on Lana'i will pay $9 per month (up from $7 per month).