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Senate committee hears support and questions in PUC reappointment hearing for Oscar Patrick Kitagawa
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Summary
On Feb. 25, 2026 the Senate Executive Appointment & Investigation Committee in Rota heard testimony supporting the reappointment of Oscar Patrick Kitagawa to the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission and questioned him about CUC rate proposals, local telecommunications service and commission staffing. No confirmation vote is recorded in the transcript.
The Senate Executive Appointment and Investigation Committee held a public hearing Feb. 25, 2026, in Rota to consider Governor David M. Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis Mendiola’s reappointment of Oscar Patrick Kitagawa to the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission to represent the 1st Senatorial District.
David M. Santos, the governor’s office representative for the 1st Senatorial District, introduced Kitagawa and told the committee that Kitagawa holds a master’s degree in school administration and supervision and has decades of experience in public education. “We respectfully request your favorable consideration and approval of his nomination,” Santos said.
Oscar Patrick Kitagawa, who was sworn in before delivering remarks, described his local roots and career in education, saying he has been “a classroom teacher for 17 years” and later served as a principal. He thanked the committee for the opportunity to appear.
Several local officials and supporters spoke in favor of the reappointment. Aubrey Hall Cook, mayor of the municipality (Bridal as recorded in the transcript), told senators Kitagawa brings a “solid educational foundation and a distinguished record of service.” Sandra M. Mosca, a municipal council vice chairwoman, and Ivan T. Merab Jr., a resident and former student, also urged the committee to confirm Kitagawa and to ensure the Public Utilities Commission has the tools and funding to carry out its duties.
Senators used the hearing to press Kitagawa on operational issues at the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) and on broader utility policy. Senator Ronnie Cobo asked what measurable achievements Kitagawa would point to from his time on the commission and what his top priorities would be for fiscal year 2026. Kitagawa said the commission has been meeting with CUC staff about aging generation equipment, blackout prevention and funding constraints, and that improving coordination with CUC is a priority.
Vice President of the Senate and other members raised concerns about a recently completed CUC cost-of-service rate study and proposed increases for residential, commercial and government customers. One senator warned that some proposed scenarios would be difficult for households and small businesses to absorb and urged the commission to examine CUC’s operational expenses before approving rate changes. During discussion, a senator characterized CUC’s billing as recovering only “50 or 60%” of losses from events such as leaks; Kitagawa confirmed the commission has pressed CUC on collection and billing practices and said the panel cautions the utility against rate actions that would unduly burden customers.
Lawmakers also focused on telecommunications service on Rota after a provider reportedly closed its local office. Senators described gaps in customer access and technical support and asked whether the commission has addressed the loss of a local customer-service presence. Kitagawa said the commission is aware of the issue, plans to place telecommunications service on the commission agenda (he referenced a meeting scheduled for March 13) and will continue discussions with providers.
Senators encouraged the commission to explore alternatives to reduce fuel-related generation costs, including more efficient generators and renewable-energy options. Senator Castro cited examples of small-community solar projects in other U.S. jurisdictions and suggested connecting the commission with nonprofit and technical partners; several senators said Kitagawa’s education background could help with local workforce development to maintain equipment and support transitions to new technologies.
Committee staff reported that, aside from oral testimony given at the hearing, no written testimony in support or in opposition to the nominee had been received. Earlier in the session, the committee adopted its agenda by voice vote.
The transcript does not record a formal committee confirmation vote on Kitagawa’s reappointment. The hearing concluded after questioning and procedural wrap-up; the committee may take further steps later.
