HI SB451

Transfers the Public Utilities Commission from the Department of Budget and Finance to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for administrative purposes only, establishing it as an autonomous agency of the State.

Increases compensation for the PUC chair and commissioners effective July 1, 2014, with the chair's salary set at a specified percentage of the Director of Human Resources Development's salary and other commissioners at 95 percent of the chair's salary.

Authorizes the PUC chair to appoint and employ an executive officer responsible for managing commission operations, including personnel management, budget planning, strategic planning, and contract administration.

Clarifies PUC authority over operational expenditures and personnel matters, subject to agreed-upon thresholds with the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and applicable procurement laws.

Designates the executive director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy, rather than the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, as the consumer advocate in PUC hearings.