PUC Approves Young Brothers’ Emergency Rate Increase with Conditions to Restore Sailings, Improve Customer Service, and Undergo Independent Audit

Posted on Aug 17, 2020 in News Release

In a decision issued on Aug. 17, 2020, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approved Young Brothers’ emergency request to increase rates by 46 percent with several conditions over the next 12 months. As a result of the Commission’s decision, Young Brothers will resume the full “pre-COVID” sailing schedule by Sept. 1, 2020, which will restore an additional sailing from the ports of Hilo and Kahului to Honolulu.

The PUC’s decision also included the following conditions:

  • Instituting a 12-month “stay-out” period for additional general rate increases;
  • Requiring Young Brothers to provide 6-months advance notice to the PUC and State if the Company decides to discontinue regulated interisland service in the future;
  • Requiring Young Brothers to develop and implement a comprehensive customer service plan; and
  • Requiring Young Brothers to undergo a financial and management audit by an independent party selected by the PUC.

Additional information: