HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
592 |
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to utilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) The public utilities commission shall explore, through its docket process, the feasibility of relocating above-ground electric transmission lines and distribution lines underground in high risk areas on the island of Maui. The assessment shall include but not be limited to:
(1) The amortized costs of relocating above-ground electric transmission and distribution lines underground;
(2) The risk of damage to the above-ground lines from reasonably foreseeable high winds, wildfires, or other natural adverse events that have historically occurred;
(3) The risk of damage to the above-ground and underground lines from projected sea level rise in the area where lines are located;
(4) The risk posed to the surrounding area from damage to the above-ground lines, including but not limited to:
(A) The potential for igniting wildfires; and
(B) Road closures, especially roads that provide access to critical infrastructure, such as hospitals.
(b) The public utilities commission shall submit a
report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of
the regular session of 2022. If relocating above-ground electric transmission
lines and distribution lines underground in high risk areas on the island
of Maui is deemed feasible, the public utilities commission shall include proposed
plans and associated deadlines for this relocation in its report to the legislature.
(c) For
purposes of this Act, "high risk areas" includes areas susceptible to
frequent high winds and wildfires or areas considered to be sea level rise exposure
areas.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Maui County; Electrical Transmission Lines; Public Utilities Commission; Docket; Feasibility Assessment
Description:
Requires the public utilities commission to explore, through its docket process, the feasibility of relocating above-ground electrical transmission lines and distribution lines underground in high-risk areas on the island of Maui. Requires the public utilities commission to submit a report to the legislature prior to the regular session of 2022.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.