Is anyone really surprised that the acquisition of HECO by NextEra is being thwarted by "local" officials?

The loss of "local" control is anathema to those benefitting by the current structure.  It matters not that increased funding and greater expertise will be needed to insure the efficient future operation of HECO.  What matters is control and raw power. 

NextEra is too large and sophisticated to be dictated to by an inept governor and PUC.  The status quo will be maintained at all costs in order to preserve HECO as a surrogate tax collector and source of subsidies to fund the aspirational renewable energy dreams of the elites.

It will be comical indeed to watch the announcement of the decision by the PUC, the immediate impact on the share price of HECO and the impact on electric rates in the mid to long term.  

Let the games begin.