Bill > SB21

This bill modifies Hawaii's laws regarding water carriers (transportation companies that move goods or passengers by water) by empowering the Public Utilities Commission to establish an automatic rate adjustment mechanism by July 1, 2026. The mechanism, called the Water Carrier Inflationary Cost Index automatic adjustment mechanism, will allow rates to change annually based on inflation indexes, with specific constraints: the annual adjustment will be capped at plus or minus five percent and will follow a three-year cycle where adjustments are made for two consecutive years, followed by a comprehensive rate review in the third year. The bill also adds a new definition for "automatic adjustment mechanism" and grants the commission broad discretion to waive or exempt water carriers from existing requirements if they determine such requirements are unjust or not in the public interest. Additionally, the bill modifies existing statutes related to tariff filings, allowing water carriers more flexibility in how they adjust rates and providing a streamlined process for introducing rate changes. The proposed changes aim to help water carriers more effectively manage cost increases while maintaining regulatory oversight.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=21&year=2026