Gov. Neil Abercrombie today signed into law a bill creating a regulatory framework for a proposed undersea cable system that wouild connect the electrical grids of the Hawaiian islands.

Abercrombie, noting that there is opposition in some quarters to the cable, said the project would be “thoroughly vetted” before any construction begins.

In addition to the cable bill Abercrombie signed into law a companion measure that authorized the Public Utilities Commission to develop and enforce reliability standards of electric utilities.

“These measures are critical in addressing our sustainability. We must view our islands as interdependent and remain open to all renewable projects,” Abercrombie said at a signing ceremony.

“My administration is seeking long-term infrastructure investments that ensure our electric grids are stable, reliable and modern enough to integrate all available alternative and renewable energy technologies,” he said.