The Public Utilities Commission will begin hosting seven public listening sessions for residents to comment on the proposed $4.3 billion sale of Hawaiian Electric Industries to NextEra Energy Inc. in September, according to an order filed by the PUC Tuesday. 

The public listening sessions will be held from the beginning of September through the end of October. The commission will host one session on Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai and Oahu. Two sessions are scheduled for Hawaii island (see below). 

At the meetings, the public can address the commission about NextEra Energy’s purchase of HEI. 

The 28 official "intervenors," or groups participating in the PUC review process, will have a separate set of hearings to voice their opinions, the PUC said. The 28 intervenors, HEI and NextEra will be able to testify at those hearings. The commission will host the intervenor hearings at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3, Dec. 7 through Dec. 11. and Dec. 14 through Dec. 16. The public is allowed to attend but not speak at those hearings unless a party involved asks for it to be closed.

The purchase of HEI needs to be approved by the PUC, which is expected to make a decision by June. 

PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS ON NEXTERA PURCHASE OF HEI

MAUI

>>Lihikai Elementary School Cafeteria

>>Friday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.

LANAI

>>Lanai High & Elementary School Cafeteria

>>Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m.

MOLOKAI

>>Kulana ‘Oiwi, Halau Area

>>Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.

HAWAII

HILO

>>Hilo High School Cafeteria

>>Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

KONA

>>Kealakehe High School Cafeteria

>>Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.

KAUAI

>>King Kaumualii Elementary School Cafeteria

>>Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.

OAHU

>>McKinley High School Cafeteria (location tentative)

>>Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.