NextEra Energy Inc. and Hawaiian Electric Industries asked members of the public to speak in support of NextEra’s purchase of HEI at public hearings about the sale, according to a filing the companies submitted Wednesday to the state Public Utilities Commission.

In the filing, NextEra and HEI said the individuals included “well-recognized business and community organization leaders.” NextEra said some of those leaders commented at the Sept. 4 listening session held on Maui. The PUC said it will consider the public feedback in determining whether to approve the sale.

NextEra said it has encouraged those who are supportive of the sale to make their support known at listening sessions with the PUC or otherwise express their public support for the sale.

In the same filing, the companies said NextEra representatives met with former PUC commissioners.

NextEra said the company approached former PUC Commissioner John Cole, former PUC Chairman Carlito Caliboso and former PUC Chairwoman Mina Morita since announcing interest in purchasing HEI for $4.3 billion in December.

NextEra said representatives from the company met with Morita on several occasions.

Cole served on the PUC for six years. Cole has also served as executive director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy and as policy adviser to former Gov. Linda Lingle. Caliboso is now an attorney representing intervenors Paniolo Power Co., a subsidiary of Parker Ranch Inc., and Hawaii Gas in the PUC review of NextEra’s purchase of HEI.