STAND. COM. REP. NO. 308

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 78

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 78, 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 eliminate the requirement for a public utility to seek approval from the Public Utilities Commission for the underground construction of high-voltage electric transmission lines, if certain conditions are met.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric Company.

Your Committee finds that this measure streamlines the regulatory process for installation of underground electric transmission lines, while still maintaining appropriate oversight of public utility operations and investments by the Public Utilities Commission. Additionally, this measure reduces the need for the Commission to review projects that would not adversely affect customers, which may result in more time and resources being utilized 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. 78, 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,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair