Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Explore, Through Its Docket Process, The Feasibility Of Relocating Above-ground Electric Transmission Lines And Distribution Lines Underground In High-risk Areas On The Island Of Maui.
Impact
The successful relocation of these lines to underground locations could significantly enhance the island's resilience against adverse natural events. The assessment requested from the Public Utilities Commission will include an analysis of the financial implications of such a relocation, including amortized costs and potential safety improvements. The findings and any proposed plans for relocation are expected to be reported back to the Legislature, thereby involving legislative oversight in the exploration of this critical infrastructure upgrade.
Summary
House Resolution 177 requests the Public Utilities Commission to evaluate the feasibility of moving above-ground electric transmission and distribution lines underground in high-risk areas of Maui. This initiative comes in response to concerns regarding the safety risks posed by natural events such as high winds and wildfires that have historically affected the region. The resolution recognizes the potential dangers that above-ground lines pose, particularly in terms of road closures that impact access to critical infrastructure like hospitals.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HR177 revolve around the feasibility of the proposed underground relocation and the associated costs. Concerns may arise regarding the financial burden of relocating existing lines, particularly in an economically sensitive environment. Additionally, there could be debates over prioritizing such infrastructure changes against other pressing community needs. Stakeholders may have differing views on the urgency and necessity of moving the lines underground, balanced against budget constraints and resource allocations.
Same As
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Explore, Through Its Docket Process, The Feasibility Of Relocating Above-ground Electric Transmission Lines And Distribution Lines Underground In High-risk Areas On The Island Of Maui.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.
Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.
Requesting The Commission On Water Resource Management To Examine The Allocation Of Water In West Maui And In Emergency Situations Throughout The State.
Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Honor And Comply With Its Statutory Duty To Investigate The Causes Of The August 2023 Maui Wildfires As Required By Section 269-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Explore, Through Its Docket Process, The Feasibility Of Relocating Above-ground Electric Transmission Lines And Distribution Lines Underground In High-risk Areas On The Island Of Maui.
Allows for measures to advance the undergrounding of certain utility cables and to have the same funded through utility rate increases to the cities of Providence and East Providence.
Allows for measures to advance the undergrounding of certain utility cables and to have the same funded through utility rate increases to the cities of Providence and East Providence.