Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR45

Introduced
3/8/23  
Refer
3/10/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  

Caption

Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Reevaluate And Adopt Administrative Rules Relating To The Removal Of Abandoned Or Double Utility Poles, Lines, And Equipment.

Impact

If enacted, HR45 would lead to significant updates in the regulations governing utility management and public safety in Hawaii. By enforcing clearer guidelines surrounding the responsibility of utility providers to remove abandoned infrastructure, the resolution seeks not only to improve the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods but also to mitigate safety risks posed by these remnants of past installations. The push for updated provisions from the National Electrical Safety Code is indicative of a broader attempt to modernize state regulations and practices in line with industry standards.

Summary

House Resolution 45 urges the Public Utilities Commission of Hawaii to reevaluate and adopt administrative rules concerning the removal of abandoned utility poles, lines, and equipment. The focus of this resolution arises from the increasing prevalence of double utility poles and derelict lines in Hawaiian neighborhoods. The document highlights the necessity for timely and organized removal of these hazards, citing public safety as a primary concern. With the ownership of over 120,000 utility poles on Oahu alone by Hawaiian Electric, the need for a streamlined process becomes critical to ensure safe infrastructure for residents and businesses alike.

Contention

However, there may be points of contention surrounding HR45, particularly regarding the logistics involved in removing these utilities. As utility companies including Hawaiian Electric adjust to new regulations, the financial and operational implications could invoke debates among stakeholders. Issues such as financial responsibility for removal, impacts on utility service during the transition, and arguments over federal versus state oversight may emerge as the resolution is discussed in legislative sessions. The urgency articulated in the resolution suggests a need to reconcile these logistical challenges with the overarching goal of improving public safety.

Companion Bills

HI HCR41

Same As Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Open A New Proceeding Relating To The Removal Of Abandoned Or Double Utility Poles, Lines, And Equipment.

Similar Bills

HI HB2491

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HI SB1317

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HI HB1266

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HI HCR32

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HI HR21

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HI SB1413

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HI HB1128

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HI SB392

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