PUC Provides Motor Carrier Regulatory Update at Hawaiʻi Transportation Association Annual Conference

The Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) Acting Chief of Consumer Affairs and Compliance, Frank Anno, briefed attendees at the Hawaiʻi Transportation Association's (HTA) Annual Conference on September 16 at the Waikīkī Beach Marriott. PUC Investigator Russell Henna and PUC Government Affairs Officer David Richmond also attended and responded to questions.

Anno shared how the PUC administers Hawaiʻi's Motor Carrier Law today and how the Commission and the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) coordinate responsibilities under Act 117, which transferred enforcement authority for motor carriers to DOT in 2024.

Anno explained that DOT's Motor Vehicle Safety Office now conducts inspections and issues citations to motor carriers, while the PUC continues to regulate the industry. He described the Commission's role in reviewing tariffs, overseeing financial reporting, conducting contested case hearings, and maintaining the State's registry of nearly 2,000 carriers- carriers a clear framework for meeting regulatory obligations. He also emphasized that coordination between the PUC and DOT remains essential as Act 117 is implemented, ensuring consistency and clarity in how requirements are communicated and applied.

The DOT's Motor Vehicle Safety Office followed with an update on enforcement activities, including expanded inspection capacity and common compliance issues observed across the industry, and a question-and-answer session with both the PUC and the DOT.

Richmond said the discussion allowed the PUC to clarify its responsibilities and hear directly from carriers, calling it "a great opportunity to remind members of the Hawaiʻi Transportation Association of the roles and responsibilities of the PUC relating to motor carriers" and to understand concerns related to the Motor Carrier Law.

The event strengthened understanding of how clear communication supports the Commission's commitment to service, transparency, collaboration, and leadership by providing accessible regulatory information that helps ensure safe and reliable transportation services statewide.