HI SB2948

Transfers the Public Utilities Commission from administrative placement under the Department of Budget and Finance to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, subject to limitations on oversight and administrative support roles.

Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission has independent authority over standard administrative practices, including operational expenditures and personnel hiring, notwithstanding section 26-35, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Enables the Commission Chairperson to appoint an Executive Officer to manage commission operations and to appoint a Fiscal Officer and Personnel Officer to provide administrative support functions formerly supplied by the Department of Budget and Finance.

Establishes the Executive Director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy as the consumer advocate in Public Utilities Commission hearings, rather than the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Amends the Public Utilities Commission Special Fund to allow funding for the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' limited oversight and administrative support functions, and appropriates funds for the transfer and hiring of new commission positions.