Report Title:

Overhead Utility Lines; Conversion Program

Description:

Requires PUC to establish a program for systematic conversion of overhead utility lines to underground lines, including: authorizing counties to determine underground zones; requiring utility contribution to program funding; and establishing criteria for allocating funds to counties.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

592

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the public utilities commission.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 269, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§269-    Conversion program. The commission shall establish a conversion program that allows for the systematic conversion of overhead utility lines to underground lines. The conversion program shall:

(1) Authorize each county to determine underground zones by ordinance;

(2) Require any utility that transports or distributes services across utility lines and cables to contribute to the funding of the program; provided that annual contributions from the utilities shall not exceed two per cent of annual gross revenues; and

(3) Establish criteria that allocates funding to each county for its underground conversion zones.

The commission shall adopt rules according to chapter 91 for the implementation of, and to establish standards for, the conversion program."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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