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GM 1141

Informing the Legislature that on May 14, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1055 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 041).

2025 Regular Session

Act 041 allocates $700,000 for expert consultants to strengthen Hawaii's electric utility services, enhancing resilience against natural disasters like wildfires.

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Bill Summary · GM 1141

Summary of GM 1141: Proclamation of Act 041

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1141
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on May 14, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1055 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 041).
- Status: Received
- Introduced: May 14, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Act 041

Purpose and Intent

GM 1141 serves as a formal notification to the legislature regarding the signing of House Bill 1055 (HB 1055) into law by Governor Josh Green on May 14, 2025. The primary intent of this legislation, now known as Act 041, is to address the urgent need for enhanced resilience and reliability of electric utility services in Hawaii, particularly in light of the devastating Maui wildfires that occurred on August 8, 2023.

Key Provisions

  1. Emergency Appropriation:

    • The Act makes an emergency appropriation of $700,000 from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) special fund for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
    • These funds are designated for contracting specialized consultant services to assist the PUC in strengthening electric utility services.

  2. Consultant Services:

    • The consultants will provide technical assessments, evaluations, and recommendations aimed at:
      • Mitigating storm-related power outages.
      • Restoring the electric grid.
      • Rebuilding infrastructure in Maui.
      • Preparing for future natural disasters.

  3. Wildfire Mitigation Plans:

    • The Act emphasizes the importance of reviewing wildfire mitigation plans of regulated public utilities to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The Public Utilities Commission will be directly involved in utilizing the appropriated funds to engage consultants.
    • Regulated public utilities will be required to collaborate with the PUC to improve their wildfire mitigation strategies.

  • Broader Implications:

    • The legislation aims to bolster the state's infrastructure against natural disasters, thereby protecting utility customers and ensuring a more reliable power supply during emergencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Approval Date: The bill was approved by the Governor on May 14, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.

This proclamation serves as an important step in the State of Hawaii's efforts to enhance its emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the face of increasing natural hazards.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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