HI SB1326

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 103D-309(c) to allow utility companies to share costs for relocation and undergrounding of utility facilities in state highway rights-of-way through advance legal agreements.

Permits the State or county to certify sufficient funds for a utility's portion of contract costs if the utility is bound by a legal agreement (utility agreement, memorandum of understanding, or memorandum of agreement) to pay its share.

Requires any legal agreement between the utility and State or county to include a specific description of the utility's payment share and terms, allow for progress or final payments based on actual project costs, and hold the responsible party liable for costs caused by late payments.

Mandates that legal agreements be executed before the state or county contract is executed and must not jeopardize any federal, state, or county funds.

Takes effect on July 1, 2011.