S.B. NO. 2786 - Summary

• Establishes a new communications division within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, headed by a communications commissioner to regulate telecommunications carriers and cable operators in Hawaii.

• Consolidates telecommunications regulation currently under the Public Utilities Commission (Chapter 269) and cable television regulation currently under the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (Chapter 440G) into a single regulatory framework under the new communications commissioner.

• Authorizes the communications commissioner to investigate, promote, and ensure broadband infrastructure development throughout Hawaii; advocate for broadband interests before federal and state agencies; and streamline permitting processes for broadband infrastructure construction.

• Grants the communications commissioner authority over telecommunications carriers and cable operators including authority to issue certificates, set rates, establish service standards, impose penalties, and regulate interconnection and access to networks and public rights-of-way.

• Creates a communications special fund to be financed through regulatory fees from telecommunications carriers and cable operators, with portions allocated to the division of consumer advocacy.