SENATE COMMERCE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE ADVANCES CONFIRMATION OF JON S. ITOMURA AS CHAIR OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

HONOLULU - The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, chaired by Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, today advanced the Governor’s appointment of Jon S. Itomura to serve as Chair of the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

“Jon brings decades of experience in utility regulation and consumer advocacy, and a deep understanding of how decisions at the Commission impact working families across Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Keohokalole. “At a time when affordability, reliability, and our clean energy transition are critical priorities, his leadership will be essential to ensuring balanced, transparent, and forward-looking decision-making.”

During today’s hearing, Itomura outlined his vision for the Commission, emphasizing a proactive approach focused on advancing the state’s clean energy goals while maintaining affordability and reliability.

“I’ll prioritize state energy goals on a path to 100% clean energy in 2045, in addition to processing all utility PUC dockets in a timely manner with an emphasis on affordability.”

Itomura brings more than 25 years of public service experience, including roles as Supervising Attorney for the State Division of Consumer Advocacy, General Counsel for the State Campaign Spending Commission, and Deputy Attorney General, along with nonprofit leadership as Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association.

Testimony submitted to the committee highlighted Itomura’s professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the public interest, as well as his ability to thoughtfully balance complex issues affecting residents, businesses, and communities statewide.

The Public Utilities Commission plays a critical role in regulating essential services that impact every resident of Hawaiʻi, including energy, telecommunications, private water and wastewater, water carriers and motor carriers.

A graduate of St. Louis High School, Itomura earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Puget Sound School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado.

The committee’s decision advances the nomination for consideration by the full Senate.