Not much heard at gas-cap hearing
By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer
Public sentiment was muted last night at a hearing on a gasoline price-cap law scheduled to take effect Sept. 1.
The Public Utilities Commission is holding public hearings on a gasoline price-cap law scheduled to take effect Sept. 1. Today, 6:30 p.m., Kaua'i High School library. Tomorrow, 6 p.m., Hilo High School cafeteria. Thursday, 6 p.m., Kealakehe Intermediate School cafeteria. Monday, 6 p.m., Hana High School cafeteria. May 10, 6:30 p.m., Maui Waena Intermediate School cafeteria. May 11, 6 p.m., at the Mitchell Pauole Center conference room, Kaunakakai. May 12, 6 p.m., Lana'i High and Elementary School cafeteria.
Only a handful of people from the general public filed into the 'Aiea High School cafeteria for the hearing scheduled to solicit comment from Honolulu consumers on the law, which is the only law in the nation to cap gasoline prices.
Have your say
Last night's hearing was the only one scheduled for O'ahu, though additional hearings will be held on the Neighbor Islands during the next two weeks. The purpose is to gather public input before the Public Utilities Commission implements the law. However, no member of the public testified at the hearing, which lasted about 15 minutes.
"I hope it's not a reflection of the public concern," said John Cole, executive director of the state consumer advocacy office. "It's a huge thing. No other place in our country has this and few other places in the world."
Cole, the only person to testify last night, said his office is analyzing the law and will take a position on the issue this summer.
The controversial law, which was passed in 2002 and amended last year, would cap wholesale gasoline prices based on the cost of importing gasoline from Singapore and the Caribbean. State consultant ICF Consulting of Fairfax, Va., has said the caps could lead to more competitive and often lower wholesale gasoline prices.
The caps, however, don't guarantee savings for consumers because they are placed on wholesale prices, not retail prices. ICF also warned that gas caps, while possibly lowering prices, could cause oil companies to consider leaving the state, which might disrupt supplies.
Reach Sean Hao at 525-8093 or shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.
