Consumer Advocacy – Public Utilities (DCA)

Update as of 4/30/2018:

• Public Utilities Commission Decision and Order No. 35427

Update as of 3/7/2018:

• Division of Consumer Advocacy’s Statement of Position

Update as of 9/29/2017:

• Division of Consumer Advocacy’s Preliminary Statement of Position

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Two telecommunications companies, Hawaiian Telcom and Cincinnati Bell have announced a definitive agreement to merge. Both entities will continue to maintain their separate local brand identities and operations. The transaction is subject to federal and state regulatory approvals. Also, the entities expect the merger to close in the second half of 2018.

Founded in 1883 and headquarted in Hawaii, Hawaiian Telcom provides integrated communications services for business and residential customers. Since its founding, there have been a number of transactions that resulted in a change of ownership of Hawaiian Telcom. The last transaction was approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission in 2005, when the Carlyle Group acquired Hawaiian Telcom from GTE and Verizon.

Once the application is submitted, the Consumer Advocate anticipates reviewing the proposed transaction to determine if there are significant net benefits for customers and whether the transaction is in the best interest of Hawaii’s businesses and residents.

You may submit public comments on this application directly to the Public Utilities Commission via email at [email protected] or on their website at puc.hawaii.gov/contact/public-comments/. You may also submit written public comment via U.S. postal mail to the PUC’s main office at the address below:

State of Hawaii
Public Utilities Commission
465 South King Street, Room 103
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Read more details and other documents filed under this application by searching Docket No. 2017-0208 on the PUC’s Document Management System in the Docket Quick Link search box on the left.