STAND. COM. REP. NO.  311-20

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2020

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2186

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2186, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to exempt projects that place high-voltage electric transmission infrastructure underground from mandatory approval by the Public Utilities Commission, if certain conditions are met.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; EAH Housing; Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.; and Hunt Development Group, LLC.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Your Committee finds that this measure will streamline the regulatory process for installation of underground electric transmission lines, while maintaining appropriate oversight by the Public Utilities Commission.  The streamlined process proposed by this measure reduces the need for the Public Utilities Commission to review projects that would not adversely affect customers, which will enable the Commission and Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to better focus time and resources on other proceedings that require more attention.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2186, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

ROY M. TAKUMI, Chair