HI HB619

Requires electric utilities proposing a merger, acquisition, consolidation, sale, lease, assignment, mortgage, or disposition to file an application with the Public Utilities Commission and obtain prior approval.

Directs the Commission to evaluate whether proposed transactions are reasonable and in the public interest, and whether the successor utility is fit, willing, and able to provide current services.

Establishes evaluation criteria including impacts on affordability, safety, reliability, clean energy goals, onsite generation options, and economic benefits to Hawaii.

Requires the Commission to assess the successor utility's commitment and ability to provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates, implement clean energy objectives, maintain infrastructure, and expand customer energy options.

Mandates public hearings in each affected service territory and liberal intervention standards to enable diverse stakeholder participation in the approval process.