Issue #58 July Newsletter
Posted on Oct 15, 2025 in NewslettersState of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Division of Consumer Advocacy (DCA)
- Wildfire Mitigation Plan
- 12th Hawaii Energy Conference: Offering solutions
- Young Brothers rate case
- Know the difference between telcom lines and power lines
- Reviewing the Performance-Based Regulation method
- DCA in the community
A message from the consumer advocate Michael S. Angelo
It’s been a while since our last update, and I’m excited to reconnect with you through this edition of our newsletter. Over the past year, our team has continued working hard to represent the interests of consumers in utility and transportation matters.
In this issue, we’re highlighting several timely topics—from wildfire mitigation efforts and outcomes from the 12th Hawai‘i Energy Conference, to the latest on the Young Brothers rate case and how to tell the difference between telecom and power lines. You’ll also find snapshots of how DCA is staying engaged in our communities across the islands. Be on the lookout for our booth at your local community events and stop by to say hello!
HECO initiates Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Following the devastating wildfires in California and Maui, Hawaiian Electric has taken a proactive approach to address the wildfire risks in Hawaii by submitting a wildfire mitigation plan to the Public Utilities Commission. The plan lays out a range of strategies to reduce the risk of wildfires, with the intention to reduce the baseline risk of its electrical facilities igniting a significant wildfire by 68-72% by 2027. This plan directly impacts your safety and reliability of electricity service by potentially leading to fewer power outages and further preventing devastating wildfires from occurring again.
Review the Wildfire Mitigation Plan »
Hawaii Energy Conference addresses energy challenges
As communities around the world navigate a changing energy landscape, the 12th annual Hawaii Energy Conference brought industry leaders together to offer solutions addressing the most pressing energy challenges of today. With a theme of “Offering Solutions,” the conference was held in Maui on May 21-22, 2025. Several members of DCA attended the conference and were able to collaborate with key stakeholders, discuss collective goals with energy leaders, and explore the opportunities for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Learn more about the conference »
Temporary Young Brothers’ shipping rate increase
Young Brothers, Hawaii’s primary interisland shipping company, increased its shipping rates by 18.1%, following approval by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on June 27. This temporary rate hike will remain from July 1 through December 31, 2025, or until PUC is able to make a decision on a possible permanent increase. Learn more about why the new rates were applied and what’s next.
Safety Alert: Telcom lines being mistaken for power lines
Do you know the difference between a telcom line and a power line? By understanding the unique distinctions between utility lines and poles, hazards may be addressed more quickly when a safety concern arises. Read the release below to learn the difference and the importance of reporting hazards.
Learn more about the difference and how to stay safe »
Senate committee reviews Performance-Based Utility Regulation
The State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection gathered at the end of June to discuss the state’s Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) framework to examine how the system impacts utilities and ratepayers. Approved by the PUC in 2020, PBR was designed to shift utility incentives away from traditional capital investment toward achieving specific performance goals, including renewable energy deployment and cost control.
Earlier this year, the PUC issued a new ruling to return to the old system, where utilities are paid based on how much is spent, rather than how well the utility performs. This briefing came at a critical time, as this impacts consumers and the state’s goal for clean energy. Senators discussed new ideas that could mix the two methods and aim to find a system that is flexible, fair, and keeps bills low.
DCA in action: Supporting kūpuna and families
On June 12 and 13, 2025, DCCA staff members from the Consumer Education Program, Insurance Division, and Division of Consumer Advocacy attended the Hawaii Active Seniors Expo. Held at the Hawaii Convention Center, the team educated and provided resources on DCCA, avoiding scams, utility bills assistance, insurance information, and more. Families and kūpuna stopped by to learn how to make informed decisions to improve seniors’ lives.
Come visit DCCA’s booth at the End of Summer Bash and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 2, from 3-6 p.m.at the Puhi Farmers Market Field on Kauai.