Committee directs working group on Honolulu coastal utility infrastructure, names PUC chair to lead

The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce on March 31 amended and passed HCR 168 and HR 158, directing a temporary working group to study utility service capacity, the expected lifespan of coastline infrastructure and the financial implications of necessary expansions specifically for the City & County of Honolulu.

The committee's amendments correct references to the "Public Utilities Commission," limit the study's geographic focus to Honolulu, and designate the chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission as chair of the working group. The revised membership adds House and Senate designees and the directors (or designees) of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and DCCA's Division of Consumer Advocacy.

Andrew Kahapea, an engineer at the Public Utilities Commission, told the committee the PUC lacks authority to compel all parties the resolution would ask to participate and suggested the Legislature or a neutral agency such as DLNR might convene the study more easily. Kahapea warned that infrastructure impacts extend beyond narrow coastal bands and can include subtransmission and transmission lines, wastewater feeders and treatment stations, and pump and filtration facilities inland.

Committee members debated whether the study should be island‑wide or restricted to a leeward/windward coast; witnesses warned coastal damage can reach miles inland and recommended a broader scope if the aim is to capture storm surge and facility risks.

The Vice Chair's recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted; members recorded aye votes from the chair, vice chair, and a majority of committee members. The committee asked staff to incorporate the membership and geographic changes into the working group's charge and to provide the amended language for the floor.