S.B. 2655 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 269-27.6 to exempt public utilities from seeking Public Utilities Commission approval for underground high-voltage electric transmission systems if the entire additional cost of undergrounding is paid by a third party as a contribution in aid of construction.

• Requires the public utility to submit a detailed report to the Public Utilities Commission and consumer advocate prior to construction, describing the transmission system and verifying that costs will be covered by an entity other than the utility.

• Grants the Public Utilities Commission 60 days to review the submitted report; if no action is taken within this period, the utility may proceed with the project.

• For 138 kilovolt or greater transmission systems still requiring PUC approval, expands the commission's evaluation criteria to include amortized construction and repair costs, damage risk, safety risks, electromagnetic field emissions, proximity to population centers and natural areas, system length, and public sentiment.

• Effective date: July 1, 2050.