HI HR30

Request that the Public Utilities Commission work with major utility industries in Hawaii to develop a mechanism to coordinate repairs to damaged utility poles.

Approximately 55,000 utility poles are jointly owned by multiple utilities (electricity, phone, and streetlights), while Hawaiian Electric solely owns approximately 15,000 poles.

Acknowledge that while electricity service is often restored quickly after pole damage, cable and phone service can take 5 to 6 months to restore, causing significant hardship to residents and businesses.

Direct the Commission to consider the One Call Center (established in 2004 for coordinating underground utilities) and its advisory board as a potential model for pole repair coordination.

Transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Chair of the Public Utilities Commission.