HELCO Acquires Telecom’s Poles

The Hawaiian Electric Companies have acquired Hawaiian Telcom’s ownership interest in approximately 120,000 jointly-owned utility electric distribution
poles on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii island under agreements approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The plan aims to eliminate ‘double poles’ and expand wireless networks. (We could sure use better cell service as we leave North Kohala going south on Akone-Puli Highway, between MM 15-20)

The Consumer Advocate (CA), in its Statement of Position, recommended the approval of the application subject to certain conditions or adjustments. The CA states that for various reasons the Proposed Transfer is just, reasonable, and in the public interest under the circumstances, however, the CA believes that the “transfer price for the joint pole ownership and interest is overstated and this transfer price should be adjusted before” commission approval of the Proposed Transfer.

Read more about the application by searching Docket No. 2018-0075 on the PUC’s document management system.