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Public Utilities Commission approves whopping 18.1% rate increase for Young Brothers
KHON: … The Public Utilities Commission approved a limited temporary rate increase for Young Brothers, LLC, the commission announced on June 27….
The commission authorized a temporary rate increase of 18.1%, which is lower than the 25% increase Young Brothers requested….
The 18.1% increase was based on an assessment of the minimum amount necessary to allow the company to continue providing their shipping services while the commission weighs a general rate case.
The temporary increase goes into effect on July 1, and expires at the end of the year or when the general rate increase for Young Brothers is resolved, whichever comes first….
A temporary additive increase of the Island Agricultural Product Discount by 2% for Less-than-Container Load and Container shipments was also approved by the commission….
As the commission investigates the general rate increase, residents and businesses are encouraged to submit public comments and to participate in upcoming community meetings. To submit a public comment, visit the commission’s website and reference Docket No. 2024-0255 in the submission….
KHON: What temporary Young Brothers shipping rate hike means for local businesses and families
HNN: Shipping interisland? Young Brothers rates about to jump more than 18%
BIN: Public Utilities Commission approves temporary rate increase for Young Brothers : Big Island Now
Read … Public Utilities Commission approves temporary rate increase for Young Brothers
Puna Geothermal Venture to start ‘Repower Project’ to boost production, lower prices
BIN: … “Today, we have 12 generating units that have been in service since 1991 or 1993 and are over 30 years old,” Senior Director Michael Kaleikini said during the quarterly update meeting in Pāhoa. “The plan is to install three modern, more efficient generating units, which will replace the 12 that have been here for three decades.” …
The three modern units will be able to produce 46 megawatts compared to the 38 megawatts now being produced by the 12 old generating units, he said.
This increase would mean that 68% of electricity on Hawaiʻi Island would come from renewable energy sources. As of 2024, nearly 59% of Hawaiʻi Island’s electricity generation comes from renewable sources….
Hawaiian Electric Co. said with the change in generating units, the average residential customer consuming 500 kilowatt-hours per month will see a $23.62 per month decrease on their electric bill….
Read … Puna Geothermal Venture to start ‘Repower Project’ to boost renewable energy use, lower prices : Big Island Now
Senate GOP adds SNAP waivers for Hawaii in new megabill text—if State can reduce 20% Error Rate
P: … Alaska and Hawaii could be temporarily exempted from paying for some costs of the nation’s largest anti-hunger program after last-minute negotiating from lawmakers, according to Senate Republicans’ new megabill text.
The new text grants the Agriculture secretary authority to waive the two states’ cost-share requirement for up to two years if they are “actively implementing” a plan to lower their payment error rates, which is what will be used to calculate how much of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program states will need to fund.
Alaska’s SNAP error rate was over 60 percent and Hawaii’s was over 20 percent as of fiscal year 2023, which is the latest available data. Alaska’s two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, have spent the past several weeks pushing their colleagues to provide an exception for their state.
Hawaii and Alaska are also eligible for waivers to bypass the new SNAP work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, if the Agriculture secretary deems they are making a “good faith effort” to comply with the requirements....
Read … POLITICO Pro | Article | Senate GOP adds SNAP waivers for Alaska, Hawaii in new megabill text
How 13 teenagers and some California lawyers rule Hawai’i
ASD: … State officials are set to unveil new rules to decarbonize the transportation sector. No one voted for this. It wasn't discussed. They committed us to this plan by settling a lawsuit last year that compels state government to protect us from the entire planet….
Read … Pipikaula Corner: How 13 teenagers and some California lawyers rule Hawai’i
Hawai‘i interstate telehealth to solve doctor shortage
ASD: … In 2023, Hawai’i rejoined the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which “means those who obtain a Hawaiʻi medical license through the compact will be able to engage in telehealth services with Hawaiʻi patients,” Hill wrote. “However, Hawaiʻi’s in-state licensure requirement for telehealth will continue to limit the use and scope of telehealth.”….
Read … Hawai‘i experts disagree on interstate telehealth to solve doctor shortage — here's why
Minimizing Utility Rates Starts With That Goal
IM: … The Legislature gave the Commission the ability to switch how the utilities are regulated, from Cost of Service (COS) regulation to Performance-Based Regulation (PBR). The latter provides carrots and sticks to motivate the company to meet state goals. The Commission adopted PBR in 2021.
Life of the Land asserts that the planning process needs to make a similar switch. Instead of proposing utility projects and then determining electric rates, one or more scenarios should be based on minimizing rates, and then determining how one achieves utility goals.
One way of cutting utility costs is by making the utility operate more efficiency. As part of the Performance-Based Regulation process, the HECO Companies plan to file a five-island rate case late this year….
Read … Minimizing Utility Rates Starts With That Goal | Ililani Media
Let’s Not Confuse Lobbying With Influence-Peddling
ILind: … The headline of Civil Beat’s Sunshine Blog this week told one story: “Influence Peddling By The Numbers“.
But the numbers actually reported were newly released statistics about lobbying — a very different story, in my view.
The two topics are intimately related, but they are not the same, and it seems to me that the failure to distinguish “influence peddling” from “lobbying” is a mistake, creating confusion for those who care about how our democracy actually works.
Let me explain.
Lobbying is a protected constitutional right. It’s part of the First Amendment, alongside freedom of speech, the press, and religion — protecting our right “to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
In plain terms, you have the right to speak up, organize, demonstrate, and advocate for the laws and policies you believe in — whether you’re an environmental group, a business association, a labor union, or just a group of concerned neighbors.
Individuals, groups, companies, and unions all have the right to advocate for their interests. That’s political influence — and it’s how democracy works.
Political influence isn’t inherently bad. Voters have it. Organized communities have it. Elected officials have it. And yes, people and organizations with experience, information, or resources can use that influence to help shape laws. That’s not a scandal — that’s the process.
Lobbying isn’t inherently shady. It’s one of the ways people make sure their voices are heard. Of course, it must be transparent and well-regulated — which is why we have ethics laws, conflict-of-interest rules, and requirements for lobbyist registration and disclosure. Done properly, lobbying is a necessary part of how our political system works….
Read … Let’s Not Confuse Lobbying With Influence-Peddling | i L i n d
Another Delay in Kalua Murder Case
HNN: … Lehua Kalua refused to leave the Women’s Community Correctional Center Friday morning for a court proceeding over bail.,
Kalua and her husband, Isaac, have been held without bail for three-and-a-half years since they were arrested in 2021.
Lehua filed a motion earlier this year requesting bail, and that issue was supposed to be addressed. It has now been reset for July 11….
… The trial has been rescheduled 10 times for various reasons over the years. The latest, because the defense needed more time to go over the materials in the case.
Read … Adoptive mother accused of murder is no-show in court, refuses transport for hearing over bail
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