The Public Utilities Commission issued an order late Wednesday temporarily suspending proceedings, including an evidentiary hearing on the Honua Ola project scheduled for next week, “pending further details” on Honua Ola’s appeal to the Supreme Court.
Honua Ola Bioenergy President Warren Lee said he was “pleased the PUC has suspended the proceedings, including the evidentiary hearing, in recognition” of the appeal.
In addition, Life of the Land has filed a motion requesting the high court dismiss Honua Ola’s appeal, citing a “lack of appellate jurisdiction.”
Life of the Land argues that Honua Ola’s appeal is improper without a final PUC decision on its case. The document also accuses Honua Ola of lodging the appeal “for an improper purpose of delay.”
Life of the Land’s motion notes PUC Chairman James Griffin’s service will end on June 30, “creating an opportunity for (Honua Ola) to use its political influence over the selection of a new third member of the commission.”