The PUC is charged with developing and enforcing policies that govern the lifeblood of Hawaii’s economy: electricity. While the legislature realigns the barrel tax appropriation for its intended purpose, it should also make sure that the PUC special fund—monies collected from regulated utilities—fully funds the PUC. Millions of these dollars annually are redirected to the general fund. The PUC must have the resources to adequately investigate and develop the right policies for Hawaii’s 21st century electricity industry.
