HI HCR168

Requests the Public Utility Commission to establish a temporary working group to assess current utility infrastructure capacity, the expected lifespan of coastline infrastructure, and costs for necessary expansions.

Hawaii received a D+ infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers in both 2019 and 2025, with most infrastructure built 60 to 100 years ago and beyond its intended lifespan.

The working group would include representatives from the PUC, Charter Communications, Honolulu City Council District 1, telecommunications carriers, electric utilities, Board of Water Supply, IBEW Local 1260, and the Department of Environmental Services.

The group must assess current infrastructure capacity versus actual demand, identify infrastructure nearing end of operational life, analyze costs for expansion to accommodate coastline community growth, and review whether approved permits have strained infrastructure capacity.

Findings would include existing upgrade plans with timelines, budget allocations, potential funding gaps, and anticipated rate increases to support expansion efforts.