STAND. COM. REP. NO.1069

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: H.B. No. 475

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 475 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Auditor to conduct a management audit of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

The PUC, Life of the Land, Na Leo Pohai, and the Sierra Club testified in support of the measure. The Consumer Advocate submitted comments.

This measure directs the Auditor to conduct a management audit of the PUC that examines the appropriateness of utility legislation, the adequacy of PUC policies, rules and procedures, the provision of technical and analytical staff support for case management and enforcement purposes, and the effectiveness of the PUC and the Consumer Advocate in dealing with issues within their jurisdictions.

Your Committee finds that a management audit will help the PUC assess the adequacy of its regulatory policies and procedures, particularly in dealing with issues, problems, and developments in complex and changing areas, such as telecommunications, energy regulation, and intergovernmental relations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 475, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

____________________________

RON MENOR, Chair