HI HR118

Urges the Public Utilities Commission to develop and adopt an efficient, streamlined process for reviewing electric utilities' requests to provide middle mile broadband services under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 269-19.

Recognizes that electric utilities' existing telecommunications infrastructure can be leveraged to provide cost-effective middle mile broadband services to internet service providers serving underserved and unserved communities.

States that middle mile broadband deployment aligns with state efforts to expedite broadband access, digital equity, and enable access to telework, telemedicine, and remote learning.

Notes that existing law provides multiple layers of protection to prevent electric utilities from favoring themselves or cross-subsidizing activities with ratepayers' funds while the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Pole Attachment Act provide additional regulatory oversight.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Public Utilities Commission, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative.