REQUEST THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO DEVELOP A TEMPORARY WORKING GROUP TO STUDY THE CURRENT CAPACITY OF UTILITY SERVICES, THE EXPECTED LIFESPAN OF EXISTING COASTLINE INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF NECESSARY EXPANSIONS.

HR158

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

158

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

request the Public Utility Commission to develop a
temporary working group to study the current capacity of utility services, the
expected lifespan of existing coastline infrastructure, and the financial
implications of necessary expansions
.

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WHEREAS, in
2025, the American Society of Civil Engineers released their infrastructure
report card, in which the State received an overall grade of a D+; and

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WHEREAS, this
grade demonstrates the lack of improvement to Hawaii infrastructure, as the State
received the same grade in 2019; and

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WHEREAS, most
of Hawaii's infrastructure was built between sixty to one hundred years ago and
was not intended to have lasted this long; and

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WHEREAS, these
delayed maintenance and improvements are posing a threat and danger to many
communities across the state; and

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WHEREAS, for
communities, such as Waiʻanae, that continue to experience growth and
development, there is generated additional demand for water, sewage, recycling,
solid waste disposal services, communication, electricity, and other utility
systems; and

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WHEREAS, a
lack of infrastructure readiness can hinder new development and lead to
increased costs for emergency repairs; and

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WHEREAS, there
is a need for information on the utility providers' ability to meet current and
future demands; and

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WHEREAS, this
is essential to proactive maintenance, which can minimize long-term repair
costs, extend asset life, and reduce safety risks; and

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WHEREAS, it
is crucial to have such data publicly available and updated for responsible
community planning and dependable utility services; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Public Utility Commission is
requested to develop a temporary working group to study the current capacity of
utility services, the expected lifespan of existing coastline infrastructure,
and the financial implications of necessary expansions; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the working group is requested to consist of the following members:

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(1)
�
The chairperson of the Public Utilities
Commission, or the chairperson's designee;

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(2)
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The president and chief executive officer of
Charter Communications, or their designee;

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(3)
�
Honolulu city councilmember representing
District 1, or their designee;

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(4)
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One representative of a telecommunications
carrier;

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(5)
�
One member from each electric utility
operating in the county;

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(6)
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The chair of the Honolulu Board of Water
Supply, or their designee;

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(7)
�
A representative of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1260; and

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(8)
�
The director of the City and County of
Honolulu Department of Environmental Services, or their designee; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the working group may invite to serve on the working group any other
persons whom the working group believes have expertise that would be helpful in
fulfilling the working group's duties; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED the working group shall:

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(1)
�
Develop an assessment of the current capacity
of existing infrastructure and actual demand;

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(2)
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Develop an assessment of infrastructure
nearing or at the end of its expected operational lifespan;

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(3)
�
Analyze the financial impact and necessary
costs for expanding infrastructure to accommodate projected coastline community
growth;

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(4)
�
Identify any existing plans for upgrades,
including expected timelines and projected impacts on the community;

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(5)
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Identify any information on budget
allocations, potential funding gaps, and any anticipated rate increases to
support expansion efforts; and

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(6)
�
Review whether approved permits have imposed
an unreasonable strain on infrastructure capacity and whether any mitigation
efforts are necessary to restore sufficient capacity; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chair
of the Public Utilities Commission, Manager and Chief Engineer of the City and
County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Director of the Department of
Environmental Services for the City and County of Honolulu.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
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Coastline
Infrastructure; PUC; Working Group