Hawaii island residents could see a $9.31 monthly increase in their electric bills next year. Hawaii Electric Light Co. said Monday it asked the state Public Utilities Commission to approve a 6.5 percent rate increase that would generate an additional $19.3 million in revenue.

HELCO said if the PUC approves the increase, a typical household using 500 kilowatt-hours on the Big Island would see its monthly bill rise to $171.16. Pending approval, the earliest the increase would take effect is summer 2017.

In September, the average bill for a household using 500 kWh on Hawaii island is $161.85. HELCO said the increase would help pay for operating costs, including albizia tree removal, as well as system upgrades to increase reliability, improve customer service and integrate more renewable energy. The increase would be the first base rate increase in nearly six years, according to HELCO.

On the move

Kaimuki Christian School has announced the following hires:

>> Marcus Nakamura has joined the school as a first-grade teacher. He has nearly 15 years of experience in education, including at Pearl Ridge and Kamaile elementary schools.

>> Lydia Kang has joined the school as a second-grade teacher. She served as a summer school educator for KCS for the past two years. Kang previously taught English as a second language to Micronesian and Polynesian students in the Illinois educational system.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts has appointed Sheila Gerbig-Hussey general manager of the Royal Kahana Maui by Outrigger. She’s been with Outrigger 22 years, most recently as general manager at the Outrigger Aina Nalu and owner liaison manager at the Ohana Maui Islander.