269 P.3d 777
Haw. Ct. App.2012Background
- RAC between Apollo Energy and HELCO approved by PUC in 2005; Tawhiri Power petitioned for declaratory ruling interpreting RAC in 2009; HELCO sought intervention and moved to dismiss, asserting arbitration preclusion; PUC dismissed the petition on December 1, 2009; Tawhiri Power moved for reconsideration/stay, denied January 7, 2010; Tawhiri Power appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court as a direct appeal under HRS 269-15.5, but the court lacks jurisdiction and dismisses the appeal.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the direct appellate pathway under HRS 269-15.5 applies to this PUC order | Tawhiri Power relied on 269-15.5 to appeal directly | HELCO contends it is not a direct-appealable contested case | No direct appeal; no jurisdiction to review this order |
Key Cases Cited
- Lingle v. Hawai'i Gov’t Employees Ass’n, AFSCME, Local 152, AFL-CIO, 107 Hawai'i 178, 111 P.3d 587 (Haw. 2005) (subject-matter jurisdiction and review standards for agency decisions)
- In re Kauai Elec. Div. of Citizens Utilities Co., 60 Haw. 166, 590 P.2d 524 (Haw. 1978) (standard for reviewing agency findings; clearly erroneous standard)
- Ka Pa'akai O Ka'Aina v. Land Use Comm’n, 94 Hawai'i 31, 7 P.3d 1068 (Haw. 2000) (statutory interpretation and legislative intent in agency decisions)