Bill > SB3174

This bill amends the definition of "public utility" in Hawaii Revised Statutes to include entities that own, control, operate, or manage plants or facilities for conveying, distributing, and transmitting water for irrigation and other public use, specifically those developed under chapter 167. Previously, these water conveyance systems were excluded from regulation by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), but this change brings them under the PUC's oversight, similar to other essential services like electricity and telecommunications. The bill also removes an exclusion for such water systems and makes conforming changes to other parts of the statute, ensuring that the PUC's regulatory authority is clearly defined to encompass these water operations for public benefit.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=3174&year=2026