STAND. COM. REP. NO.72

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.B. No. 489

 

 

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 S.B. No. 489 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, Consumer Advocate, Hawaii Renewable Energy Alliance, Life of the Land, and an individual testified in support of the measure.

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, and assist the Commission in meeting its statutory mandates.

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 S.B. No. 489 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