HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.C.R. NO.
168
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
request the Public Utility Commission to develop a temporary working group to study the current capacity of utility services, the expected lifespan of existing coastline infrastructure, and the financial implications of necessary expansions.
WHEREAS, in 2025, the American Society of Civil Engineers released their infrastructure report card, in which the State received an overall grade of a D+; and
WHEREAS, this grade demonstrates the lack of improvement to Hawaii infrastructure, as the State received the same grade in 2019; and
WHEREAS, most of Hawaii's infrastructure was built between sixty to one hundred years ago and was not intended to have lasted this long; and
WHEREAS, these delayed maintenance and improvements are posing a threat and danger to many communities across the state; and
WHEREAS, for communities, such as Waiʻanae, that continue to experience growth and development, there is generated additional demand for water, sewage, recycling, solid waste disposal services, communication, electricity, and other utility systems; and
WHEREAS, a lack of infrastructure readiness can hinder new development and lead to increased costs for emergency repairs; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for information on the utility providers' ability to meet current and future demands; and
WHEREAS, this is essential to proactive maintenance, which can minimize long-term repair costs, extend asset life, and reduce safety risks; and
WHEREAS, it is crucial to have such data publicly available and updated for responsible community planning and dependable utility services; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, the Public Utility Commission is requested to develop a temporary working group to study the current capacity of utility services, the expected lifespan of existing coastline infrastructure, and the financial implications of necessary expansions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the working group is requested to consist of the following members:
(1) The chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, or the chairperson's designee;
(2) The president and chief executive officer of Charter Communications, or their designee;
(3) Honolulu city councilmember representing District 1, or their designee;
(4) One representative of a telecommunications carrier;
(5) One member from each electric utility operating in the county;
(6) The chair of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, or their designee;
(7) A representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1260; and
(8) The director of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services, or their designee; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the working group may invite to serve on the working group any other persons whom the working group believes have expertise that would be helpful in fulfilling the working group's duties; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the working group shall:
(1) Develop an assessment of the current capacity of existing infrastructure and actual demand;
(2) Develop an assessment of infrastructure nearing or at the end of its expected operational lifespan;
(3) Analyze the financial impact and necessary costs for expanding infrastructure to accommodate projected coastline community growth;
(4) Identify any existing plans for upgrades, including expected timelines and projected impacts on the community;
(5) Identify any information on budget allocations, potential funding gaps, and any anticipated rate increases to support expansion efforts; and
(6) Review whether approved permits have imposed an unreasonable strain on infrastructure capacity and whether any mitigation efforts are necessary to restore sufficient capacity; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chair of the Public Utilities Commission, Manager and Chief Engineer of the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Director of the Department of Environmental Services for the City and County of Honolulu.
OFFERED BY:
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Report Title:
Coastline Infrastructure; PUC; Working Group