What's Being Discussed
The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is hosting a public townhall meeting for residents of West and South Hawaiʻi Island. The meeting focuses on how recent severe weather — particularly the Kona Low storm system — has affected Hawaiian Electric customers, and what is being done to improve power reliability in the region.

Welcome and overview of the PUC's role in overseeing utilities
Presentation from the Consumer Advocate, who represents the public's interests in utility matters
Presentation from Hawaiian Electric on storm impacts and service reliability efforts
Open questions and comments from the public

This meeting is part of a broader proceeding (Docket No. 2021-0024) reviewing Hawaiian Electric's plans for upgrading its power grid and retiring fossil fuel power plants.

Decisions Expected
No formal votes or binding decisions are expected at this meeting. It is an informational and public input session. Community members are encouraged to ask questions and share concerns, which will inform the Commission's ongoing review of Hawaiian Electric's operations and reliability.

Who Should Pay Attention

Hawaiian Electric customers in West and South Hawaiʻi, especially those affected by recent storm-related outages
Residents of the Pāhala area and surrounding communities
Anyone interested in how the state regulates electric utilities and plans for renewable energy transition

For disability accommodations or questions, contact the PUC at (808) 586-2020 or puc@hawaii.gov. You may also reach meeting coordinator Andrew Okabe at andrew.j.okabe@hawaii.gov.