Bill Text: HI HB1868 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Telecommunications; Rates; Basic Exchange Service

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2012-04-27 - (S) Became law without the Governor's signature, Act 074, 4/25/2012, (Gov. Msg. No. 1175). [HB1868 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2012-HB1868-Amended.html

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3165

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    H.B. No. 1868

       H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1868, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to specify that any telecommunications carrier may charge a rate higher than the filed tariff rate, other than for basic exchange service, without obtaining approval from the Public Utilities Commission.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiian Telecom.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Division of Consumer Advocacy of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from TW Telecom of Hawaii LP.

 

     Your Committee finds that dramatic technological changes within the telecommunications industry have resulted in increased telecommunications options for consumers.  This measure allows a telecommunications carrier to adjust a rate for any retail telecommunications service, other than basic exchange service, to a rate that is higher than the current filed tariff rate for that service without approval from the Public Utilities Commission.  The current Public Utilities Commission approval requirement for any increase in rates to retail telecommunications basic exchange service, such as single-line residence and business service and access to 911 and operator services, remains the same.  Your Committee further finds that this measure will continue the State's effort to level the regulatory playing field in retail telecommunications services and ensure that Hawaii's telecommunications marketplace remains vibrant and strong for Hawaii consumers.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1868, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

 

		____________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair