HI HR45

Urges the Public Utilities Commission to reevaluate and adopt administrative rules relating to the removal of abandoned utility lines, double poles, and equipment.

Requests the PUC adopt updated provisions of the National Electrical Safety Code to streamline removal of double poles and unsafe abandoned equipment.

Notes that Hawaiian Electric owns over 120,000 utility poles on Oahu and thousands of derelict and double poles exist across Hawaii neighborhoods, creating public safety hazards.

Identifies that double poles result when new utility poles are installed adjacent to existing poles to transfer wires, leaving the original poles in place abandoned.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the PUC Commissioners and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.