PUC holds public hearing on Young Brothers LLC's $26M rate increase request

A significant public hearing unfolded on April 11, 2025, as the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) convened to discuss Young Brothers, LLC's proposed rate increase for the 2025 test year. The meeting, led by PUC Chair Leo Asuncion and attended by commissioners Naomi Kawae and Colin Yost, focused on Young Brothers' request for a staggering revenue increase of $26.4 million, equating to a 27.06% hike over current rates.

Young Brothers is seeking approval for several key changes, including adjustments to its Local Freight Tariff and a new automatic annual rate adjustment linked to the Gross Domestic Product Price Index, capped at 5% per year. The company initially proposed a two-step temporary rate relief plan but later revised it to a single-step increase of 25% to be applied to all regulated cargo rates.

The hearing allowed for public testimony, with Young Brothers and the consumer advocate each allotted eight minutes to present their cases. Members of the public were encouraged to voice their opinions, with three minutes granted for individual testimonies. The PUC emphasized that the session was for gathering testimony rather than answering questions, although representatives from Young Brothers and the consumer advocate were available for inquiries afterward.

This hearing marks a critical step in determining the future of shipping rates in Hawaii, with potential implications for consumers and businesses alike. The PUC will consider the feedback received before making a decision on the proposed rate changes.