STAND. COM. REP. NO. 4004

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     GOV. MSG. NOS. 514, 515

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message Nos. 514 and 515, submitting for study and consideration the nominations of: 

 

Public Utilities Commission

 

G.M. No. 514

JON ITOMURA

for a term to expire 06-30-2026; and

 

G.M. No. 515

JON ITOMURA

for a term to expire 06-30-2032,

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     Your Committee reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by Jon Itomura for service as Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Jon Itomura from the Governor; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Education; Hawaiian Telcom; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1260; AES Hawaiʻi; Earthjustice; Hawaiʻi Gas; Yamamoto Hetherington, LLLC; Cades Schutte, LLLP; and forty-five individuals.  Your Committee received comments on the nomination for the appointment and reappointment of Jon Itomura from North Kona Noise ACTION.

 

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Mr. Itomura's background, experience, and commitment to public service qualify him for appointment and reappointment as Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission.  Your committee notes that Mr. Itomura holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental, Pollution, and Organismic Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound School of Law.  Your Committee further finds that Mr. Itomura has served as the interim Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission since January, 2026.  Mr. Itomura was previously the Executive Director of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association from 2019 to 2025, where he managed operations, events, fundraising, and financial budgets for the Association and the Hawaii Okinawa Center.

 

     Your Committee further notes that Mr. Itomura has over twenty-five years of experience in public service.  From 2003 to 2019, Mr. Itomura was the Supervising Attorney at the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, where he was responsible for all matters before the Public Utilities Commission.  This role involved preparing pleadings and providing legislative support and general counsel on behalf of State ratepayers.  Mr. Itomura also held roles as General Counsel at the Campaign Spending Commission and Deputy Attorney General, Administrative Division, at the Department of the Attorney General where he handled matters relating to the Land Use Commission, Campaign Spending Commission, and Department of Education.  Mr. Itomura has been active in a number of state and national boards and associations, including as a former Commissioner of the State of Hawaii Campaign Spending Commission from 2023 to 2026.

 

     Your Committee finds that Mr. Itomura's experience advocating for the residents of the State has enabled him to develop a comprehensive understanding of historical and contemporary utility matters.  Additionally, Mr. Itomura's knowledge of the organization will enable him to integrate seamlessly with staff and stakeholders to deliver effective operations, which will be of great benefit to the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Testifiers commented that Mr. Itomura's expertise and understanding of the industry landscape, as well as the effect of regulatory decisions on both consumers and regulated companies, will be invaluable to the Public Utilities Commission.  Testifiers also commented that Mr. Itomura consistently demonstrates principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, which are essential to maintaining public trust in the regulatory process.

 

     Your Committee notes from Mr. Itomura's personal statement that he has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission.  During his term, Mr. Itomura intends to position the Public Utilities Commission as a national leader in innovation as the State undergoes its clean energy transition, ensure reliability and affordability for ratepayers, and foster a culture of high performance and expertise in the organization.

 

     Your Committee notes that Mr. Itomura's leadership experience, knowledge of utility matters, and dedication to public service will be of significant benefit to the Public Utilities Commission.  Your Committee therefore recommends that Jon Itomura be appointed and reappointed as Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission based on his experience, knowledge, and commitment to public service.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that are attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the positions to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nominations.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

 

 

 

____________________________

JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair