Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Address Certain Recommendations For Undergrounding The State's Utility Facilities As Outlined In The 1999 Legislative Reference Bureau Report Entitled "undergrounding Public Utility Lines".
The resolution encourages the PUC to take into account the aesthetic value of natural landscapes and recommend measures to quantify the benefits related to undergrounding. Additionally, it seeks the establishment of programs that would provide tax incentives or shared financing mechanisms for transitioning utility lines underground. These actions, if adopted, could significantly alter the landscape of utility regulation and modernization in Hawaii, fostering an environment that might prioritize infrastructure resilience and community aesthetics.
SCR99 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Hawaii Legislature that requests the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider recommendations for undergrounding the state's utility facilities as outlined in a 1999 report by the Legislative Reference Bureau. This resolution emphasizes the growing public interest in replacing overhead utility lines with underground alternatives due to various benefits, including enhancement of scenic views and addressing public health concerns. The document references the extensive damage caused to utility infrastructure during Hurricane Iniki in 1992, highlighting the need for more resilient systems.
The sentiment surrounding SCR99 appears to be largely positive, reflecting a consensus on the potential benefits of undergrounding utility lines. Supporters advocate for the resolution as a measure towards enhancing safety and reliability in the face of natural disasters while also appealing to community interests in preserving Hawaii's natural beauty. Nevertheless, discussions about the practical challenges and financial implications of such extensive infrastructure changes could introduce varying opinions.
While SCR99 aims to support the idea of undergrounding, there may be concerns regarding its feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Critics of underground utility systems often point to the high expenses associated with installation and maintenance, alongside the potential for disruption during retrofitting existing infrastructure. The balance between aesthetic appeal and economic considerations will likely emerge as a crucial point of contention in the discussions that follow the resolution's passage.