Public Utilities Commission

Jon Itomura took the helm of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission in January. While he’s new to his role, he’s on familiar ground, having spent more than decade as an attorney representing customers before the commission. He spoke with HPR about how he intends to push for progress on the state's climate goals.

HPR contributor Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton shares Kānaka opinions on Hawaiian artifacts kept in museums; Hawai’i Island Chef Rhoda Magbitang celebrates her recent “Top Chef” season 23 win.

The PUC acts as a quasi-judicial body that regulates Hawaiʻi's utilities and oversees the approval process for new energy projects. Nominee Jon Itomura is up for chair.

The state Public Utilities Commission is holding a pubic hearing on Hawaii Water Service Company's request for a rate increase for its Kapalua water and wastewater service.

The Public Utilities Commission has concluded that a state recovery fund is likely warranted to compensate future victims of major wildfires, but not before some outstanding questions are resolved.

The local shipping company has asked the Public Utilities Commission to approve a 25.75% rate increase. The company claims it has not been profitable since October 2023.

The Kauaʻi utility has yet to share if and how customers' bills may increase to pay for the costs of the utility’s plan, but KIUC Chief of Operations Brad Rockwell told the commission that the utility was keeping possible impacts to ratepayers in mind.

The state consumer advocate is asking for HECO to produce a timeline on how it will address issues raised by an expert analysis. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports.

Hū Honua Bioenergy and the Hawaiʻi Electric Light Company are in negotiations to revive an agreement to bring a controversial biomass plant into operation on Hawaiʻi Island. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports.

Gov. Josh Green quietly signed into law a major piece of legislation dealing with Hawaiian Electric's finances on Tuesday night.