As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 2004January 20, 2006
RegistrationNos. 333-              

Registration No. 333-111073333-        

-01

333-111073-01333-        

333-111073-02

333-111073-03


-02

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


Amendment No. 2

TO

FORMForm S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter or certificate of trust)


charter)
Hawaii 99-0040500

Hawaii

99-0040500
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

900 Richards Street,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 543-7771

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)


HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of each registrant as specified in its charter or certificate of trust)


charter)
Hawaii 99-0041070

Hawaii

99-0041070
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1200 Kilauea Avenue,
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
(808) 935-1171

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)


MAUI ELECTRIC COMPANY, LIMITED

(Exact name of each registrant as specified Inin its charter or certificate of trust)


charter)
Hawaii 99-0047800

Hawaii

99-0047800
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

210 West Kamehameha Avenue,
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
(808) 871-8461

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)


HECO CAPITAL TRUST III

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter or certificate of trust)


Delaware06-6537404

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

c/o The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, 8W, New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, (212) 815-5084

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)


RICHARD A. VON GNECHTEN

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
Financial Vice President

Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

900 Richards Street,
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 543-7500

543-7840

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)


Copies to:

DAVID J. REBER, ESQ. JEFFREY J. DELANEY, ESQ.
David J. Reber, Esq.Jeffrey J. Delaney, Esq.
Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
A Limited Liability Law Partnership LLP1540 Broadway
1099 Alakea Street Honolulu, HI 96813 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036New York 10036-4039
(808) 547-5600Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 (212) 858-1000
(808) 547-5600

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:

As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.



If the only securities being registered on this Form are to bebeing offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.    ¨o

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    ¨o

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨o

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨o

If delivery ofthis Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the prospectus is expected to be madeCommission pursuant to Rule 434, please462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    ¨o
       If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    o
(Calculation of Registration Fee on following page)


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
              
             
             
      Proposed Maximum  Proposed Maximum   
Title of Each Class of Securities  Amount to be  Offering Price Per  Aggregate Offering  Amount of
to be Registered  Registered  Unit(1)(2)  Price(1)(2)  Registration Fee
             
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. Notes  $100,000,000  100%  $100,000,000  $10,700
             
Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. Notes  $50,000,000  100%  $50,000,000  $5,350
             
Maui Electric Company, Limited Notes  $15,000,000  100%  $15,000,000  $1,605
             
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. Guarantees with respect to the Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. Notes and the Maui Electric Company, Limited Notes  (3)  (3)  (3)  (3)
             
 Total  $165,000,000  100%  $165,000,000  $17,655
             
             
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee.
(2) Exclusive of accrued interest, if any.
(3) Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no separate fee is payable for the Guarantees.
The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until thisthe Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered 

Amount

to be
Registered

 

Proposed
Maximum
Offering Price

Per Unit(1)(2)

 Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price(1)(2)
 Amount of
Registration Fee

Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities of HECO Capital Trust III (“QUIPS”)

 2,000,000(3) $25.00(3) $50,000,000(3) $8,090(8)

HECO, MECO and HELCO Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (“QUIDS”)

 (3)(4) (3)(4) (3)(4)  

HECO Guarantee with respect to the QUIPS(5)(7)

 (6) (6) (6)  

HECO Guarantees of MECO and HELCO QUIDS(7)

 (6) (6) (6)  


(1)Estimated solely for the purpose of calculatingThe information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration fee.
(2)Exclusive of accrued distributions and interest (if any).
(3)In no event will the aggregate initial public offering price of the securities issued under this Registration Statement exceed $50,000,000, exclusive of accrued distributions and interest (if any). Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (the “QUIDS”) will be issued and sold by Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (“HECO”), Maui Electric Company, Limited (“MECO”) and Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (“HELCO”) to HECO Capital Trust III (the “Trust”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate stated liquidation preference of the QUIPS and Common Securities to be issued and sold by the Trust. HECO QUIDS (including HECO QUIDS subsequently issued to the Trust under certain circumstances in exchange for MECO and HELCO QUIDS) may later be distributed for no additional consideration to the holders of the QUIPS upon a dissolution of the Trust and the distribution of its assets.
(4)The QUIDS will be purchased by the Truststatement filed with the proceeds ofSecurities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale of the QUIPS, together with the proceeds received from HECO in respect of the Common Securities to be issued by the Trust to HECO. No separate consideration will be received for such QUIDS.is not permitted.
(5)Includes the rights of the holders of the QUIPS under the HECO Guarantee with respect to the QUIPS and certain back-up undertakings, comprised of the obligations of HECO to provide certain indemnities in respect of, and pay and be responsible for certain costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of, the Trust and such obligations as set forth in the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement relating to the QUIPS, the Expense Agreement that will be entered into by HECO, MECO, HELCO and the Trust and the Indentures relating to the QUIDS, in each case as further described in this Registration Statement.
(6)No separate consideration will be received for the HECO Guarantees or the back-up undertakings described in note (5).
(7)Taken together, HECO’s obligations under the HECO QUIDS, the Indenture relating to the HECO QUIDS, the HECO Guarantees of the MECO and HELCO QUIDS, the Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, the Expense Agreement and the HECO Guarantee with respect to the QUIPS provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee by HECO of payments of distributions and other amounts due on the QUIPS.
(8)Previously paid. The original Registration Statement contemplated registration of QUIPS with an aggregate initial offering price of $100,000,000.



The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion. Dated March 9, 2004.

2,000,000 Preferred Securities

HECO Capital Trust III

% Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities,

Series 2004 (QUIPSSM)*

(Liquidation Preference $25 per QUIPS)

Fully and unconditionally guaranteed, as set forth herein, by

January 20, 2006.

$100,000,000
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.


The QUIPS offered

% Notes due 2036
    
$50,000,000 $15,000,000
Hawaii Electric Light Maui Electric Company,
Company, Inc.  Limited
                               % Notes due 2036 % Notes due 2036
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by this prospectus are preferred undivided beneficial ownership interests in the assets of HECO Capital Trust III, a statutory trust created under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Trust”).
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.
       Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (“HECO”), a Hawaii corporation, will own all of the common undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust (the “Common Securities”Electric Light Company, Inc. (“HELCO”).

A brief description of the QUIPS can be found under “Prospectus Summary—The Offering” in this prospectus.

The Trust will sell the QUIPS to the underwriters and the Common Securities to HECO. The Trust will immediately use the proceeds of these sales to purchase Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures, Series 2004 (the “QUIDSsm”)* from HECO and its subsidiaries, Maui Electric Company, Limited (“MECO”) (collectively, the “Companies”) are offering $100,000,000, $50,000,000 and Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (“HELCO”$15,000,000 aggregate principal amount, respectively, of their respective Notes due 2036 (referred to as the “HECO Notes”, the “HELCO Notes” and the “MECO Notes”, respectively, and, collectively, as the “Notes”). pursuant to this prospectus.

       The QUIDS held byCompanies will pay interest on the TrustNotes on March 1 and September 1 of each year. The first such payment will have terms that are equivalentbe made on September 1, 2006. The Notes will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The Notes will mature on March 1, 2036. Each of the Companies, at its option, may redeem its Notes, in whole or in part, on any business day on or after                 , 20    , at a redemption price equal to     % of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the termsdate of redemption. Each of the QUIPS. The QUIDS, together with the expense agreementHELCO Notes and the subordinated guarantees of HECO described in this prospectus,MECO Notes will be the sole assetsfully and unconditionally guaranteed by HECO.
       The Notes of the Trust. Payments under the QUIDS, HECO’s guarantees and the expense agreementeach Company will be the sole sourcesthat Company’s senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of funds for the Trust.

its other unsecured and unsubordinated debt outstanding from time to time.

The QUIPS have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official noticeaddress of issuance, under the symbol “HE Pr U.” HECO expects tradingHECO’s principal executive offices is 900 Richards Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 and its telephone number is (808) 543-7771. The address of the QUIPS on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after they are first issued.

HELCO’s principal executive offices is 1200 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 and its telephone number is (808) 935-1171. The address of MECO’s principal executive offices is 210 West Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii 96732 and its telephone number is (808) 871-8461.

See Risk Factors“Risk Factors” beginning on page 73 to read about certain factors you should consider before buying the QUIPS.Notes.


Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


   Per QUIPS

  Total

Initial public offering price(1)

  $                      $                    

Underwriting commissions

   (2)   (2)

Proceeds to the Trust

  $   $ 

(1)Plus accumulated distributions, if any, from the date of original issuance, which is expected
Proceeds, Before
Initial PublicUnderwritingExpenses, to be March     , 2004.
Offering PriceDiscountsEach Company
Per HECO Note%%%
Total$$$
Per HELCO Note%%%
Total$$$
Per MECO Note%%%
Total$$$

(2)HECO, MECO and HELCO will pay the underwriting commission of $             per QUIPS (or $              in the aggregate).


       The initial public offering price set forth above does not include accrued interest, if any. Interest on the Notes will accrue from                 , 2006 and must be paid by the purchasers if the Notes are delivered after                 , 2006.
The underwriters expect to deliver the QUIPSNotes through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company against payment in New York, New York on Marchor about                 , 2004.

*QUIPS and QUIDS are servicemarks of 2006.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Goldman, SachsA.G. Edwards
Lehman Brothers
Merrill Lynch & Co.
 Piper JaffrayWells Fargo Securities


Prospectus dated                     March     , 2004.

2006.


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following information should be read together with the information contained in other parts of this prospectus. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, we refer to Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. (“HECO”) and to its electric utility subsidiaries, Maui Electric Company, Limited (“MECO”) and Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. (“HELCO”) and Maui Electric Company, Limited (“MECO”), collectively, as the “Companies” or “we” or “us.”“us”. You should carefully read this entire prospectus to understand fully the terms of the cumulative quarterly income preferred securities, which we refer to as the “QUIPS,”Notes and the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of the Companies, which we refer to as the “QUIDS,” and to the related guarantees provided by HECO, as well as the tax and other considerations that are important to you in making a decision about whether to invest in the QUIPS.HECO. You should pay special attention to the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus to determine whether an investment in the QUIPSNotes is appropriate for you. You should also read the information that is “incorporated by reference” from documents filed by HECO with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This prospectus may add to, update or change information in incorporated documents. If the information in this prospectus is inconsistent with the information in such incorporated documents, the information in this prospectus will apply and supersede that information in the incorporated documents, unless the incorporated documents are filed with the SEC after the date of this prospectus, in which case the information in the incorporated document will apply.

The Companies

HECO, MECOHELCO and HELCO,MECO, each a Hawaii corporation, are regulated operating electric public utilities engaged in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity on the islands of Oahu; Maui, Lanai and Molokai; and Hawaii, respectively. These five islands had a combined population on December 31, 2003 estimated at 1,197,000, or 95 percent of the State’s population, and the Companies provideproviding the only electric public utility service on the islands they serve.of Oahu; Hawaii; and Maui, Lanai and Molokai, respectively. These five islands collectively include approximately 95 percent of the State of Hawaii’s population. The utilities are regulated by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (the “PUC”). On February 13, 2004,December 29, 2005, the Companies applied for PUC issued its order (modified on February 24, 2004) approving the issuances of the QUIPS and the QUIDS. The further approval of the PUC willissuance of the Notes. The Notes may not be required if the Substituted HECO QUIDS (as defined in this prospectus) aresold until such approval is obtained.
Ratio of Earnings to be issued in the future.

The addressFixed Charges

       HECO’s consolidated ratio of HECO’s principal executive offices is 900 Richards Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 and its telephone number is (808) 543-7771.

HECO Capital Trust III

HECO Capital Trust III (which we referearnings to fixed charges was as “HECO Capital Trust III” or the “Trust’) is a statutory trust recently formed under Delaware law by five trustees and HECO. HECO Capital Trust III has been formed solelyfollows for the periods indicated:

                             
            Nine Months
    Ended
  Years Ended December 31, September 30,
     
  2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2004 2005
               
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges  3.39   3.51   3.71   3.36   3.49   3.79   3.24 
       For purposes of:

issuingof calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, “earnings” represent the sum of (i) pretax income before preferred stock dividends of HECO and sellingbefore adjustment for undistributed income or loss from equity investees and (ii) fixed charges (as hereinafter defined, but excluding the QUIPSallowance for borrowed funds used during construction). “Fixed charges” represent the sum of (i) interest, whether capitalized or expensed, (ii) amortization of debt expense and discount or premium related to any indebtedness, whether capitalized or expensed, (iii) the public and issuing and selling allestimate of the common undivided beneficial interestsinterest within rental expense, (iv) the preferred stock dividend requirements of HELCO and MECO, increased to an amount representing the pretax earnings required to cover such dividend requirements and (v) in 2003 and prior years, when the assetstrust subsidiaries were consolidated, the preferred securities distribution requirements of the Trust (the “Common Securities”) to HECO;trust subsidiaries.

using the proceeds from the sale of the QUIPS and the Common Securities to acquire QUIDS from the Companies;

paying distributions on the QUIPS from interest payments on the QUIDS; and

engaging in only those other activities necessary, convenient or incidental to these purposes, which would include, for example, registering the transfer of the QUIPS.

Because HECO Capital Trust III is being established only for the purposes listed above, the QUIDS, the expense agreement (under which the Companies agree to provide funds to the Trust to pay amounts the Trust owes to persons other than holders of QUIPS) (the “Expense Agreement”) and the related HECO guarantees will be HECO Capital Trust III’s sole assets. Payments on the QUIDS will be HECO Capital Trust III’s sole source of income. HECO Capital Trust III will issue only one series of QUIPS.

1


The Offering

Title

Securities Offered
$100,000,000           % HECO Capital Trust III             % Cumulative Quarterly Income Preferred Securities, Series 2004 (Liquidation Preference $25 per QUIPS).Notes due 2036

Securities Offered

2,000,000 QUIPS, in denominations of $25 each, with an aggregate liquidation preference of $50,000,000. Each QUIPS will represent a preferred undivided beneficial ownership interest in the assets of HECO Capital Trust III. Each QUIPS will entitle its holder to receive quarterly cash distributions as described below.$ 50,000,000           % HELCO Notes due 2036
$ 15,000,000           % MECO Notes due 2036

HECO Capital Trust III

Guarantees

The issuerEach of the QUIPS is HECO Capital Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust, created for the sole purpose of issuing the QUIPSHELCO Notes and the Common Securities and engaging in the other transactions described in this prospectus.

HECO Capital Trust III has five trustees. There are three administrative trustees, each of whom is an officer of HECO. The Bank of New York and The Bank of New York (Delaware)MECO Notes will act as the property trustee and the Delaware trustee of HECO Capital Trust III, respectively.

The QUIPS will be sold to the public and HECO will purchase and retain the Common Securities. HECO Capital Trust III will hold the QUIDS that it purchases from the Companies with the proceeds from the issuance of the QUIPS and the Common Securities. The Companies will pay interest on the QUIDS at the same rate and at the same times as HECO Capital Trust III makes payments on the QUIPS and the Common Securities. HECO Capital Trust III will use the payments it receives on the QUIDS to make the corresponding payments on the QUIPS and the Common Securities.

HECO Guarantees

HECO will enter into a trust guarantee (the “Trust Guarantee”) under which it will guarantee, on a subordinated basis, payments made on the QUIPS to the extent described in this prospectus. HECO will also enter into subsidiary guarantees (the “Subsidiary Guarantees”) under which it will fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a subordinated basis, the obligations of MECO and HELCO under their QUIDS and under the Expense Agreement. See “Description of Trust Guarantee” and “Description of Subsidiary Guarantees and Expense Agreement.”

Distributions

Holders of QUIPS will be entitled to receive quarterly cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of             % of the stated liquidation preference of $25 per QUIPS (the “Distributions”). Interest on the QUIDS will also accrue at an annual rate of             %, and as a result Distributions on the QUIPS will accumulate, from the original date of issuance, and will be due to be paid quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, beginning March 31, 2004, unless they are deferred as described below.guaranteed by HECO.
 

Ranking

Distribution Deferral

So long as there is no Debenture EventThe Notes of Default (as defined in this prospectus) under its respective Indenture, each of the Companies may defer the quarterly interest payments on its QUIDS for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods (each, an “Extension Period”). In other words, each of the Companies may declare at its discretion up to a five-year interest payment moratorium on its QUIDS and may choose to do that on more than one occasion. A deferral of interest payments cannot extend, however, beyond the Stated Maturity (as defined in this prospectus) of the QUIDS, nor can any of the Companies begin a new Extension Period until it has paid all accrued interest on the QUIDS from the previous Extension Period.

If any of the Companies defers interest payments on its QUIDS, HECO Capital Trust III will also defer Distributions on the QUIPS in an equal amount. Unless all three of the Companies defer the payment of interest on their QUIDS for the same Extension Period, holders will receive partial Distributions in the corresponding amounts not deferred. Any deferred interest on the QUIDS will accrue additional interest at an annual rate of             %, and, as a result, any deferred Distributions will accumulate additional amounts at an annual rate of             %, compounded quarterly from the relevant payment date. Once a Company has made all deferred interest payments on its QUIDS, with accrued interest, it can again defer interest payments on its QUIDS as described above, but not beyond the Stated Maturity of the QUIDS.

During any Extension Period, each of the deferring Companies (and, if such deferring Company is MECO or HELCO, HECO) will be subject to restrictions on specified activities. See “Description of QUIPS—Distributions” and “Description of QUIDS—Option to Extend Interest Payment Period.”

Tax Consequences of Distribution Deferral

If any of the Companies defers payments of interest on its QUIDS, that Company’s QUIDSsenior unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated debt outstanding from time to time. The guarantees of HECO will be treated at that time as being retiredsenior unsecured obligations of HECO and reissuedwill rank equally with original issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes. This means that holders of the QUIPS will be required to include accrued interest income in respect of the deferred interest even though they will not be receiving cash Distributions on their QUIPS in respect of the deferred interest. These amounts will be included in the holders’ gross income for United States federal income tax purposes. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a more complete description.

None of the Companies has a current intention of exercising its right to defer payments of interest on its QUIDS.

Redemption

The QUIDS are scheduled to mature on March         , 2034. HECO Capital Trust III will redeem all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated debt outstanding from time to time, including the outstanding QUIPS when the QUIDS are repaid at maturity.

In addition, ifHECO Notes. The Notes of each Company will rank junior to any of the Companies redeem any QUIDS before their Stated Maturity, HECO Capital Trust III will use the cash it

future secured debt incurred by that Company.
 
Stated MaturityMarch 1, 2036, or the next succeeding Business Day.
 
receives on the redemption of the QUIDS to redeem, on a proportionate basis, the QUIPS and the Common Securities. Optional RedemptionEach of the Companies, canat its option, may redeem the QUIDS before their Stated Maturity at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interestits Notes, in whole or in part, on one or more occasions any timebusiness day on or after                March     , 2009, or in whole20     , at any time followinga redemption price equal to      % of the occurrenceprincipal amount of certain events (“Special Events”) relating to taxation or the Investment Company Act of 1940. These circumstances are more fully described below under “Description of QUIPS—Redemption or Exchange.”

Liquidation Amount

If the QUIPS areNotes being redeemed, by HECO Capital Trust III, holders will be entitled to receive the stated liquidation preference of $25 per QUIPS plus any accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereontogether with accrued interest to the date of redemption (the “QUIPS Redemption Price”), subject to the rights of any creditors of HECO Capital Trust III.

Dissolution of HECO Capital Trust III and Distribution of Distributable HECO QUIDS

If HECO elects to dissolve HECO Capital Trust III, which could occur at any time, in HECO’s sole discretion, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the holders of the QUIPS, or if HECO Capital Trust III dissolves because of certain specified events, such as bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of HECO, HECO Capital Trust III, subject to obtaining the approval of the PUC and to the rights of any creditors of HECO Capital Trust III, will distribute the Distributable HECO QUIDS (as defined below) to holders of the QUIPS and the Common Securities on a proportionate basis. The “Distributable HECO QUIDS” will consist of the HECO QUIDS sold to the Trust as part of this offering together with additional HECO QUIDS, which are referred to in this prospectus as “Substituted HECO QUIDS,” which are QUIDS that would be issued to HECO Capital Trust III by HECO, provided that PUC approval was first obtained, in exchange for MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS in like principal amounts. If the Distributable HECO QUIDS are distributed, HECO will use commercially reasonable efforts to list the Distributable HECO QUIDS on the New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange on which the QUIPS are then listed.

Tax Consequences of HECO Election To Dissolve HECO Capital Trust III

Under current United States federal income tax law, although the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS for United States federal income tax purposes, the exchange of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS for the Substituted HECO QUIDS would likely be treated as such a taxable exchange. As a result of such taxable exchange, each holder would recognize gain or loss as described under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS.” In addition, the distribution of the

date.
 Distributable HECO QUIDS could be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS if the Trust is characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the time of dissolution or if there is a change in law or legal interpretation, or upon the occurrence of certain other circumstances. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS.”

Shortening or Extension of Stated Maturity Date of QUIDS

The QUIDS currently mature on March     , 2034. If certain conditions are met, however, this maturity date may be shortened to a date not earlier than March     , 2009 or extended to a date not later than March     , 2053 (such maturity date, as it may be shortened or extended, the “Stated Maturity”). See “Description of QUIDS—General.”

The Trust Guarantee

HECO will fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a subordinated basis, the payment of all amounts due on the QUIPS to the extent HECO Capital Trust III has funds available for payment of such distributions.

The Trust Guarantee does not cover payments when HECO Capital Trust III does not have sufficient funds to make payments on the QUIPS. Accordingly, if the Companies do not make a payment on the QUIDS, HECO Capital Trust III will not have sufficient funds to make payments on the QUIPS, and the Trust Guarantee will not obligate HECO to make those payments on HECO Capital Trust III’s behalf. See “Description of Trust Guarantee.”

The Subsidiary Guarantees

HECO will fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a subordinated basis, all payments in respect of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS, but not interest payments deferred by MECO or HELCO during a valid Extension Period. See “Description of Subsidiary Guarantees and Expense Agreement—The Subsidiary Guarantees.”

The Expense Agreement

The Companies will enter into an Expense Agreement with HECO Capital Trust III that obligates the Companies to pay their proportionate shares of most of the expenses and obligations of HECO Capital Trust III, other than HECO Capital Trust III’s obligations to make payments on the QUIPS, which are covered only by the Trust Guarantee. HECO will fully and unconditionally guarantee, on a subordinated basis, the obligations of each of MECO and HELCO under the Expense Agreement. See “Description of Subsidiary Guarantees and Expense Agreement—The Expense Agreement.”

Subordination

The obligations of HECO under the HECO QUIDS and the Trust Guarantee will be subordinate and junior to HECO’s existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined under “Description of QUIDS—Subordination”) and the obligations of HECO under the Subsidiary Guarantees will be subordinate to all other existing and

Sinking FundNone.
 future liabilities of HECO. These obligations will effectively be subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of HECO’s subsidiaries, including MECO and HELCO. The obligations of MECO and HELCO under the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS, respectively, will be subordinate and junior to their respective existing and future Senior Indebtedness.

Use of Proceeds

The Trust will invest all of the proceedsFor capital expenditures and to repay short-term indebtedness (including borrowings from the sale of the QUIPSaffiliates) that was incurred to finance and the Common Securities in the QUIDS. The Companies will use the proceeds of the QUIDS, together with any necessary additional funds to be provided by the Companies, to redeem the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures that they issued to HECO Capital Trust I in 1997 and HECO Capital Trust I will in turn redeem its respective outstanding trust preferred and common securities. Pending such use, the Companies may temporarily invest the proceeds of the QUIDS as described underrefinance capital expenditures. See “Use of Proceeds.”

Listing of the QUIPS

Form and Denomination
The QUIPS have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol “HE Pr U.” HECO expects trading of the QUIPS on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within 30 days after they are first issued. However, the listing of the QUIPS will not necessarily ensure that an active trading marketNotes will be available for the QUIPS or that beneficial owners will be able to sell the QUIPS at the price they originally paid for them.issued in fully registered form in denominations of $1,000 and in integral multiples thereof.

Form of the QUIPS

DTC Eligibility
The QUIPSEach Company’s Notes will be represented by one or morea global securities that will becertificate deposited with, and registered in the nameor on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company New York, New York, or its nominee. This means that purchasers will not receive a certificate for their QUIPSSee “Description of the Notes and the QUIPSGuarantees — Book-Entry Notes.”
TrusteeWells Fargo Bank, National Association.
No ListingThe Notes will not be registered in their name. See “Description of QUIPS—Book-Entry Issuance.”listed on any national securities exchange.

2


RISK FACTORS

An investment in the QUIPSNotes involves a number of risks, some of which relate to the Companies and others of which relate to the QUIPS and the QUIDS.Notes. You should carefully consider the following information, together with the other information in this prospectus and in the documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, about risks concerning the Companies the QUIPS and the QUIDSNotes before buying any QUIPS.Notes. You should also consider that there may be risks and uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial that may in the future also impair our operations, our financial results and the value of the Notes.

Risks Relating to the Companies

Actions byof the PUC are largely outside the control of the Companies and could result in inadequate or untimely rate relief, in rate reductions or refunds or in unanticipated delaydelays, expenses or expensewritedowns in connection with the construction of new projects.

The rates that we are allowed to charge for our services, and the timeliness of permitted rate increases, are one ofamong the most important items influencing our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. The PUC has broad discretion over the rates that wethe Companies charge ourtheir customers. After not initiatingHECO currently has a rate case pending before the PUC in which it is seeking rate increases largely to recover the costs of capital improvements since theits last rate case, filed in December 1993 using a 1995 test year, HECOthe purchase of additional firm capacity and energy from Kalaeloa Energy Partners, L.P., the cost of measures taken to address peak load increases until generation capacity can be added on Oahu and increased operation and maintenance (“O&M”) expenses. In addition, HELCO has committed tonotified the PUC of its intention to file a request for a rate increase in spring 2006 intended to recover the cost of improvements to its transmission and distribution lines and the two generating units at its Keahole generating plant that it will commence abecame available for commercial operation since its last rate case in 2000. The increased level of our O&M expenses (including increased retirement benefit costs or other post retirement benefit costs), increased capital expenditures, or other factors could result in the second half of 2004 using a 2005 test year.Companies seeking rate relief more often than in the past. Any adverse decision by the PUC concerning the level or method of determining electric utility rates, the allowed returns on equity or on rate base found to be reasonable, the potential consequences of exceeding or not meeting such returns, or other matters, or any prolonged delay in rendering a decision in a rate or other proceeding, could have a material adverse effect on HECO’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Our

       We could be required to refund to our customers, with interest, revenues we receive under interim rate orders if and to the extent they exceed the amounts allowed in final rate orders. At the end of September 2005, HECO implemented the interim general rate increase of $53.3 million in annual base revenues granted by the PUC in HECO’s current rate case. At September 30, 2005, HECO had recognized an aggregate of $19 million of revenues with respect to this interim general rate increase and other interim orders regarding certain integrated resource planning costs.
       The rate schedules of each of the Companies include energy cost adjustment clauses under which electric rates charged to customers are automatically adjusted for changes in the weighted-average price paid for fuel oil and certain components of purchased power, and the relative amounts of company-generated power and purchased power. In 19972004 PUC decisions approving ourthe Companies’ fuel supply contracts, the PUC noted that,affirmed the Companies’ right to include in light oftheir respective energy cost adjustment clauses the length of thestated costs incurred pursuant to their respective new fuel supply contracts, to the extent that these costs are not included in their respective base rates, and the relative stability of fuel prices,restated its intention to examine the need for continued use of energy cost adjustment clauses would be the subject of investigation in a generic docket or in a future rate case. While we believe that the energy cost adjustment clauses continue to be necessary and these clauses were continued in the final PUC decisions issuedpending HECO rate case and in HELCO’s and MECO’s future respective rate cases. While there was no opposition to the continuation of the clause by the parties in the most recent HELCO and MECOpending HECO rate cases in February 2001 and April 1999,case, there can be no assurance concerning actions the PUC may take in its final order in the pending HECO rate case or otherwise in the future with respect to these clauses. In addition, there

3


has been some indication that the State Legislature may consider legislation which addresses alternatives to the current energy cost adjustment clauses and, at this time, it is not possible to predict the outcome of those possible deliberations.
Many public utility projects require PUC approval and various permits (e.g., environmental and land use permits) from other governmental agencies. Difficulties in obtaining, or the inability to obtain, the necessary approvals or permits, or any adverse decision or policy made or adopted, or any prolonged delay in rendering a decision, by an agency with respect to such approvals and permits, can result in significantly increased project costs or even cancellation of projects. Two major capital improvement projects — HECO’s East Oahu Transmission Project and the expansion of HELCO’s Keahole generating plant — have encountered substantial opposition and consequent delay, and the recovery of the costs incurred in connection with these projects has not been determined by the PUC. If a project does not proceed, or if the PUC disallows cost recovery for all or part of the project, the project costs may need to be written off in amounts that could result in significant reductions in HECO’sour consolidated net income. Two major capital improvement projects have encountered substantial opposition.

The Keahole power plant expansion project, which has been seriously delayed but is currently being constructed, involves HELCO’s plans to install two combustion turbines and, in the future, a heat steam recovery generator, then to convert the units to a dual-train combined cycle unit at its Keahole plant on the island of Hawaii. As of December 31, 2003, HELCO’s costs incurred in its efforts to put the combustion turbines into service and to support existing units (excluding certain costs the PUC has previously permitted to be transferred to plant-in-service for pre-air permit facilities) amounted to approximately $84 million. Substantial additional capital costs, currently estimated to be approximately $15 million, are expected to be incurred to complete installation of the two combustion turbines, including

the costs necessary to satisfy the requirements pertaining to those turbines of a recent settlement agreement. If all conditions to the settlement agreement are satisfied, the two combustion turbines should be installed. The settlement agreement also requires HELCO to pay legal fees and other costs of $3.1 million, which were expensed in November 2003, and to incur additional capital costs relating to noise mitigation, visual mitigation and pollution control on other existing units and on the heat steam recovery generator when it is installed. HELCO also continues not to accrue an allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) on the project, estimated at $0.6 million after-tax per month. The costs of the heat steam recovery generator, if all necessary permits are obtained and it is installed, will also be higher than originally planned because of the change in schedule in its installation and the need to comply with certain provisions of the settlement agreement. One opponent of the Keahole expansion project, which was not a party to the settlement agreement, continues to appeal judicial and agency rulings and permits necessary to implement the settlement agreement and to complete the project. Management can provide no assurance that these efforts will not delay, hinder or add to the cost of the project.

The East Oahu Transmission Project involves HECO’s plans to expand its current transmission system on the island of Oahu to enhance reliability. HECO’s accumulated costs related to the East Oahu Transmission Project amounted to approximately $20 million as of December 31, 2003, and, if its recently revised plans for the project are approved by the PUC, the capital costs of the two phases of the proposed project, including costs incurred to date, are estimated at $55 million.

The Companies are subject to risks associated with the Hawaii economy, volatile U.S. capital markets and changes in the Hawaii economy, U.S. capital markets and interest rate environment that could lead to higher retirement benefits expenses,result in declines in electric utility kilowatthour sales possible lower rates of return allowed by the PUC and restrictions on our ability to borrow money.

Because our core business is providing local electric public utility services in Hawaii, our operating results are significantly influenced by the strength of Hawaii’s economy, which in turn is influenced by economic conditions in the mainland U.S. (particularly California) and Asia (particularly Japan) as a result of the impact of those conditions on tourism, which comprises a significant portion of Hawaii’s economy. A decline in the Hawaii economy, or the U.S. or Asian economies, could lead to a decline in our kilowatthour sales and an increase in uncollected billings and have other adverse effects on our business. The Hawaii economy is currently being adversely affected by a strike of concrete workers that began in early February 2004 and is increasingly hampering the construction industry.

Changes in the U.S. capital markets can also have significant effects on the Companies. For example, our pension income or expense is affected by the market performance of the assets in the master pension trust maintained for our pension plans, and by the discount rate we use to determine the service and interest cost components of our net periodic pension cost (returns).

We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily due to our periodic borrowing requirements, the discount rate used to determine retirement benefits expenses and obligations and the effect of interest rates on the rates of return found by the PUC to be reasonable in a rate case.requirements. Interest rates are sensitive to many factors, including general economic conditions and the policies of government and regulatory authorities. We cannot predict future changes in interest rates, nor be certain that interest rate risk management strategies we have implemented will be successful in managing interest rate risk.

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S., the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the ongoing war on terrorism by the U.S. and the bankruptcies or reported financial difficulties of several major U.S. companies, conditions in the financial markets have been volatile and uncertain, even for financially healthy companies. These events and similar future events could constrain the availability of capital to the Companies, which need capital for their construction programs. If our ability to access capital becomes significantly constrained, our interest costs could increase substantially and, under extreme circumstances, we could be forced to defer our interest payments on the QUIDS or default on our debt obligations, including the QUIDS and the Subsidiary Guarantees (which would result in the Trust lacking funds for making payments on the QUIPS).

If Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s Investors Service were to downgrade HECO’s long-term debt ratings, itsor if future events were to adversely affect the availability of capital to the Companies, our ability to borrow could be constrained and itsour future borrowing costs would likely increase with resulting reductions in HECO’sour consolidated net income in future periods. Further, if HECO’s ratings were to be downgraded, HECO might not be able to sell commercial paper under current market conditions and might be required to draw on more expensive bank lines of credit or to defer capital or other expenditures.

The Companies may incur higher retirement benefit expenses and could be required to recognize a substantial additional minimum liability for pension and other postretirement benefits.

For 2003,

       Depending on investment results at each year end from the assets ofheld in trust to satisfy our retirement benefit plans generated a total return of nearly 25%, for realized and unrealized net gains of approximately $144 million. In contrast, for 2002, 2001 and 2000, the realized and unrealized net losses on the assets of our retirement benefit plans were $106 million, $91 million and $30 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the market value of these assets was $758 million and $627 million, respectively.

Depending on the investment experience of the pension plan assets in the futureobligations and the status of interest rates, the Companies, like many sponsors of defined benefit pension plans, could be required in future years to recognize an additional minimum liability as prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”)(SFAS) No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions.”Pensions”. The recognition of an additional minimum liability is required if the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets on the measurement date.

4


The recognition of the liability would largelyalso require the removal of the prepaid pension asset ($101 million as of September 30, 2005) from our consolidated balance sheet and from our rate base and the sum of these amounts (net of taxes) would be recorded as a reduction to stockholder’sstockholders’ equity through a non-cash charge to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), and would not affect current net income. The additional minimum liability could alsoBy application filed on December 8, 2005, we have requested the PUC to permit us to record, as a regulatory asset pursuant to SFAS No. 71, “Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation,” any amount that would otherwise be charged to AOCI as a result in the removal of the prepaid pension asset ($82 million as of December 31, 2003) from our consolidated balance sheet.

The recognition of additionalrecording a minimum pension liability, is triggeredbut no assurance can be given concerning how or when a plan’s accumulated benefit obligation (“ABO”) exceeds the fair valuePUC will act on this request.

       The amount of plan assets, in which case the charge to AOCI would be calculated as the sum of the unfunded ABO and the prepaid pension asset. However, when a plan’s assets exceed the ABO, the additional minimum liability calculations would not apply, and HECO would continue to report the prepaid pension asset (with the usual annual adjustments). Accordingly, adverse changes in a number of factors, such as the fair value of plan assets and/or the discount rate used to measure ABO could trigger an additional minimum pension liability and charge to AOCI which, in turn, could significantly affect HECO’s balance sheet in the future. Whether there would be an additional minimum liability and charge to AOCI, and the amount of such items, toif any, that might be recorded in future yearscould be material and will depend upon a number of factors, including the year-end discount rate assumption, asset returns experienced during the year, any changes to actuarial assumptions or plan provisions, and contributions made by the Companies to the plans during the year. In addition, retirement benefits expenseexpenses and cash funding requirements could increase in future years depending on the performance of the U.S. equity markets and trends in interest rates and health care costs.rates. Retirement benefit expenses based on net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit costs that are related to utility operations have been an allowable expense for rate-making, and higher retirement benefit expenses, along with other factors, may affect the need to request aan electric rate increase.

If the Companies are required to record substantially greater charges to AOCI in the future, consolidated HECO’s financial ratios may deteriorate, which could result in security ratings downgrades and difficulty (or greater expense) in obtaining future financing. In addition, there may be possible financial covenant violations (although there are no advances currently outstanding under any credit facility subject to financial covenants) as certain of HECO’s bank lines of credit require that it maintain a minimum ratio of consolidated common equity to consolidated capitalization of 35% (53%(actual ratio was 56% as of December 31, 2003) and a consolidated net worth (defined as consolidated common stock equity), exclusive of intangible assets, of at least $825 million ($944 million as of December 31, 2003)September 30, 2005).

The Companies are subject to the risks associated with the geographic concentration of our business and lack of interconnections that could result in service interruptions.

Our business is concentrated on the individual islands we serve in the State of Hawaii. Our operations are more vulnerable to service interruptions than are many U.S. mainland utilities because none of our systems are interconnected.interconnected with the systems on the other islands we serve. Because of this lack of interconnections, it is necessary to maintain higher generation reserve margins than are typical for mainland utilities to help ensure reliable service. Our reserve margin on Oahu is currently below the level we would like to maintain and this condition will likely continue and be exacerbated by projected load growth until additional generation is brought on line, which is not expected until 2009. Service interruptions, including in particular extended interruptions that could result from a natural disaster or terrorist activity or from unexpected generation unit failures (including when other units are out of service for scheduled maintenance), could adversely impact the kilowatthour sales of some or all of the Companies.

A lower reserve margin also means that our generating units are being more heavily utilized, which in turn could contribute to the current and expected trend of increasing O&M costs for the Companies.

Increasing competition and technological advances could cause the Companies to lose customers or render our operations obsolete.

The generation sector of the electric utility industry is becoming increasingly competitive in Hawaii. Independent power producers, including alternate energy providers, and customer self-generation, with or without cogeneration, continue to be competitive factors. In addition, new technological developments, such as the commercial development of fuel cells or distributed generation, may render our operations less competitive or obsolete.

5

In connection with its closing in October 2003 of a competition docket that it had initiated in 1996, the


       The PUC has opened new investigative dockets on distributed generation (“DG”) and competitive bidding. The PUC intends in the DG docket to determine the potential benefits and impact of DG, including combined heat and power (“CHP”) systems, on Hawaii’s electric distribution systems and markets and to develop policies and a framework for DG projects in Hawaii. The PUC also intends in the docket to address issues caused by DG projects relating to interconnection matters, ownership and operation of projects (including by electric utilities), rate design and effects on the integrated resource planning process. The docket will also address issues raised by an informal complaint filed in July 2003 by three vendors of CHP services that relate to a limited number of proposals we have made, which are subject to PUC approval, to install and operate CHP systems for customers. In March 2004, the PUC issued an order which granted motions by several parties to intervene or participate without intervention in the DG docket. The competitive bidding docket is intended to evaluate competitive bidding as a mechanism for acquiring or building new electric generating capacity. We are unable toThe Companies cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these investigations (including with respect to the July 2003 complaint) or of attempts that might be made by other parties to seek legislative or regulatory action on their competition proposals.

The Companies could suffer losses that are uninsured due to a lack of insurance coverage or limitations on the insurance coverage we do have.

In the ordinary course of business, we purchase insurance coverages (e.g., property and liability coverages) to protect against loss of or damage to our properties and against claims made by third-parties and employees for property damage or personal injuries. However, the protection provided by such insurance is limited in significant respects and, in some instances, there is no coverage. Certain of the insurance has substantial deductibles or has limits on the maximum amounts that may be recovered. For example, our overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems (with the exception of substation buildings and contents) have an estimated replacement cost of approximately $2 billion and are not insured against loss or damage because the amount of transmission and distribution system insurance available is limited and the premiums are cost prohibitive. Similarly, we have no business interruption insurance as the premiums for such insurance would be cost prohibitive, particularly since our systems are not interconnected to other systems. example:
• Our overhead and underground transmission and distribution systems (with the exception of substation buildings and contents) have an estimated replacement cost of approximately $3 billion and are not insured against loss or damage because the amount of transmission and distribution system insurance available is limited and the premiums are cost prohibitive.
• We have no business interruption insurance as the premiums for such insurance would be cost prohibitive, particularly since our systems are not interconnected to other systems.
If a hurricane or other uninsured catastrophic natural disaster shouldwere to occur, and if the PUC doeswere not to allow the affected electric utility to recover from ratepayers restoration costs and revenues lost from business interruption, the lost revenues and repair expenses could result in a significant decrease in HECO’sour consolidated net income or in significant net losses for the affected periods. Events like the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the financial failures of Enron and other companies have

resulted generally in a decreased availability of insurance and higher deductibles, higher premiums and more restrictive policy terms.

Increased federal and state environmental regulation will require an increasing commitment of resources and funds and could result in construction delays or penalties and fines for non-compliance.

We are subject to federal and state environmental laws and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, waste management, natural resources and health and safety, which regulate the operation of existing facilities, the construction and operation of new facilities and the proper cleanup and disposal of hazardous waste and toxic substances. Compliance with these legal requirements requires the Companies to commit significant resources and funds toward environmental monitoring, installation of pollution control equipment and payment of emission fees. These laws and regulations, among other things, require that we obtain certain environmental permits in order to construct or operate certain facilities, and obtaining such permits can entail significant expense and cause substantial construction delays. Also, these laws and regulations may be amended from time to time, including amendments that increase the burden and expense of compliance. For example, emission and/or discharge limits may be tightened, more extensive permitting requirements may be imposed and additional substances may become regulated.

If we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations, even if caused by factors beyond our control, that failure may result in civil or criminal penalties and fines. For example,At the present time, HECO

6


is a potentially responsiblenamed party in an ongoing environmental investigation to determine the nature and extent of actual or potential release of hazardous substances, oil, pollutants or contaminants at or near Honolulu Harbor. In 2001, HECO expensed $1.1 million as management’s preliminary estimateHarbor and we cannot predict the ultimate cost or outcome of costs for continuing investigative work, remedial activities and monitoring at the Iwilei unit of the site involved in this investigation (but not including its Honolulu Power Plant and other sites) through December 2004, but this cost estimate may be subject to significant change and additional material investigative and remedial costs, including costs for work at other sites, may be incurred. As another example, on September 5, 2003, MECO received a notice of violation issued by the State of Hawaii Department of Health (“DOH”) alleging violations of air pollution control rules relating to opacity for two generating units at MECO’s Maalaea power plant between February 1999 and June 2000, seeking immediate corrective action and assessing a penalty of approximately $1.6 million. MECO and the DOH have conditionally settled this matter for a reduced penalty of approximately $0.8 million, which is not tax deductible, but the settlement is subject to final action by the DOH.

that investigation.

The Companies could be subject to the risk of uninsured losses in excess of our accruals for litigation matters.

The Companies are involved in routine litigation in the ordinary course of their business, most of which is covered by insurance (subject to policy limits and deductibles). However, other litigation may arise that is not routine or involves claims that may not be covered by insurance. For example, HECO is a defendant in a suit, brought as a purportedqui tam and class action, which claims that the State of Hawaii and HECO’s other customers have been overcharged for electricity as a result of allegedly excessive prices charged under a power purchase agreement between defendants HECO and AES Hawaii, Inc. The complaint assertsasserted that HECO’s payments to AES Hawaii, Inc. for power have been “excessive” by over $1 billion since September 1992, and that approval of the power purchase agreement by the PUC in 1989 was wrongfully obtained through alleged misrepresentations or material omissions by the defendants of the estimated future costs under the power purchase agreement compared to the costs that would have been incurred if HECO-owned units had been constructed instead. Although a final judgment dismissing this complaint with prejudice was entered in HECO’s

favor on September 17, 2003, one of the plaintiffs has appealed from this dismissal. On July 16, 2004, the judgment and HECO’s answering brief inHawaii Supreme Court retained jurisdiction over the appeal (rather than assign the appeal to the Intermediate Court of Appeals) and the matter has been fully briefed and is due March 19, 2004.

awaiting decision.

Because of the uncertainties associated with litigation, there is a risk that litigation against the Companies, even if vigorously defended, could result in costs of defense and judgment or settlement amounts not covered by insurance and in excess of accrualsreserves established in the Companies’ financial statements.

Changes in accounting principles and estimates could affect the reported amounts of the Companies’ assets, liabilities and liabilitiesreserves or revenues and expenses.

The Companies’ financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Changes in these principles from time to timeor our application of existing accounting principles could materially affect HECO’sour consolidated financial position or results of operations. Further, in preparing HECO’s consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change include the amounts reported for revenues; property,utility plant, and equipment; regulatory assets and liabilities;liabilities, pension and other postretirement benefit obligations;obligations, current and deferred income taxes; andtaxes, contingencies and litigation.

litigation, variable interest entities and electric utility revenues.

Our financial statements reflect assets and costs based on cost-based rate-making regulations. Continued accounting in this manner requires that certain criteria relating to the recoverability of such costs through rates be met. If events or circumstances should change so that thosethe criteria are no longer satisfied, the Companies expect that netour regulatory liabilities, amountingassets (amounting to $72approximately $109.5 million as of December 31, 2003, would be credited to income. In the event of unforeseen regulatory actions or other circumstances, however, management believes that a material adverse effect on HECO’s results of operations and financial positionSeptember 30, 2005) may result if regulatory assets haveneed to be charged to expense, without an offsetting credit fromwhich could result in significant reductions in our consolidated net income, and our regulatory liabilities.

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ratified EITF Issue No. 01-8, “Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease” (“EITF No. 01-8”). Under EITF No. 01-8, the Companiesliabilities (amounting to $213.2 million as of September 30, 2005) may be required to recognize service contracts, such as energy contracts for capacity or other arrangements, as leases subject to the requirements of SFAS No. 13, “Accounting for Leases.” If a power purchase agreement is entered into after 2003, or if an existing power purchase agreement is requiredneed to be reassessed after June 2003, such as in the event of a material amendmentrefunded to the agreement, and the agreement falls within the scope of EITF Issue No. 01-8 and results in the classification of the agreement as a capital lease, a material effect on the consolidated balance sheet of HECO may result, including the recognition of significant capital assets and lease obligations.

In December 2003, FASB issued revised FIN No. 46 (“FIN No. 46R”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“VIEs”), which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. HECO is evaluating the impact of applying FIN 46R in the first quarter of 2004 to the trusts that have issued preferred securities (i.e., existing VIEs in which it has variable interests) and has not yet completed this analysis. At this time, it is anticipated that HECO will deconsolidate the trusts that have issued trust preferred securities, since HECO may not be the primary beneficiary of such trusts, and such a deconsolidation would have the effects described under “Accounting Treatment.” Further, HECO is evaluating the impact of applying FIN No. 46R to its relationships with independent power producers (“IPPs”) from whom the Companies purchase power and has not yet completed this analysis. A possible outcome of this analysis, however, is that HECO (or its subsidiaries, as applicable) may be found to meet the definition of a primary beneficiary of the IPPs, which finding may result in the consolidation of the IPPs in HECO’s financial statements. Any such consolidation would have a material effect on HECO’s financial statements, including the recognition of a significant amount of assets and liabilities, and could have a material effect on the ratings of HECO’s securities.

ratepayers.

Electric utility operations are significantly influenced by weather conditions.

Our

       The Companies’ results of operations can be affected by changes in the weather. Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electricity. In addition, severe weather can be

7


destructive, causing outages, property damage and requiring us to incur significantadditional expenses that may not be recoverable.

Our utility operations depend heavily on third party suppliers of fuel oil and purchased power.

We rely on fuel oil suppliers and shippers and independent power producers to deliver fuel oil and power, respectively, in accordance with contractual agreements. Approximately 78%79% of the net energy generated andor purchased by HECO and its subsidiaries in 2003the Companies for the first nine months of 2005 was generated from the burning of oil, and purchases of power by the Companies provided about 39% of their total net energy generated and purchased for the same period. Failure or delay by oil suppliers and shippers to provide fuel pursuant to existing contracts, or failure by a major independent power producer to deliver the firm capacity anticipated in its power purchase agreement, could disrupt our ability to deliver electricity, particularly on Oahu where our generation reserve margin is below our preferred level, and require us to incur additional expenses to meet the needs of our customers.customers that may not be recoverable. In addition, as these contractual agreements end, we may not be able to purchase fuel and power on terms equivalent to the current contractual agreements.

Electric generating facilities and transmission and distribution systems are subject to operational risks that could result in unscheduled plant outages, unanticipated and/or increased operation and maintenance expenses and increased power purchase costs.

Operation of electric generating facilities and transmission and distribution systems involves certain risks which can adversely affect energy output and efficiency levels. Included among these risks are increased prices for fuel and fuel transportation as existing contracts expire (particularly if the PUC were to no longer permit the electric utilitiesCompanies to pass such price increases through to customers through their energy cost adjustment clauses), facility shutdowns or power interruptions due to insufficient reserve margins or a breakdown or failure of equipment or processes or interruptions in fuel supply, inability to negotiate satisfactory collective bargaining agreements when existing agreements expire or other labor disputes, inability to comply with regulatory or permit requirements, disruptions in delivery of electricity, operator error and catastrophic events such as fires, explosions, floods or other similar occurrences affecting our electric generating facilities or transmission and distribution systems.

As a result of load growth on Oahu and other factors, there currently is an increased risk to generation reliability. Generation reserve margins are lower than considered desirable in light of our circumstances. Existing units are running harder, resulting in more frequent and more extensive maintenance, at times, requiring temporary shut downs of these units. We have taken a number of steps to mitigate the risk of outages, including securing additional purchased power, adding distributed generation at some of our substations and encouraging energy conservation. The marginal costs of supplying growing demand, however, is increasing because of our decreasing reserve margin situation and the rate of this increase is not likely to lessen until after we add our proposed new generating unit on Oahu in 2009.

The Companies may be adversely affected by new legislation.

Congress and the Hawaii Legislature periodically consider legislation that could have positive or negative effects on the Companies and our customers. For example, earlier draftsCongress adopted the Energy Policy Act of the2005 (the “2005 Act”), which will provide $14.5 billion in tax incentives over a10-year period designed to boost conservation efforts, increase domestic energy bill currently pending in Congress included measures that could have increased the domestic supply of oilproduction and support for energy conservation programs and mandatedexpand the use of renewables by utilities.alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, ethanol, biomass, hydropower and clean coal technology. The incentives include tax credits and shorter depreciable lives for many assets associated with energy production and transmission. The primary impact of these incentives on the Companies will be the reduction in the depreciable tax life, from 20 years to 15 years, of certain electric transmission equipment placed into service after April 11, 2005. The 2005 Act also replaced the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 with the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. HECO will be a holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 and, under the rules promulgated under that statute, will be subject to certain books and records maintenance

8


and access requirements and accounting, record retention and filing requirements unless a waiver is obtained from certain of these requirements under a provision permitting such waivers for single-state holding company systems. HECO currently intends to seek such waiver, but there can be no assurance that it will be obtained.
       The 2001 Hawaii Legislature passed a law establishing “renewable portfolio standard” (“RPS”) goals for the Companies, on a consolidated basis, of 7% by December 31, 2003, 8% by December 31, 2005 and 9% by December 31, 2010. Over 8% of consolidated electricity sales for 2003 were from renewable sources (as definedThe law was amended in the2004 to require electric utilities to meet a renewable portfolio standards law). While the Companies thus met the 7% target for 2003 provided for in the 2001 Hawaii legislation, the Companies believe itstandard of 8% by December 31, 2005, 10% by December 31, 2010, 15% by December 31, 2015 and 20% by December 31, 2020. It may be difficult for the Companies to meet renewable standard goals in the future, particularly if sales of electricity increase in future years as projected. No assurances can be provided concerningtheir renewables percentage to these levels, and we cannot predict the consequences of a failure to do so.
       The renewable standards law also required the PUC to develop and implement a utility ratemaking structure, which may include performance-based ratemaking, to provide incentives that encourage Hawaii’s electric utilities to use cost-effective renewable energy resources found in Hawaii to meet thesethe RPS goals, while allowing for deviation from the standards in future years. The 2003 Hawaii Legislature considered, but did not adopt, measuresthe event that would undertakethe standards cannot be met in a comprehensive auditcost-effective manner or as a result of circumstances beyond the control of the state’sutility which could not have been reasonably anticipated or ameliorated. In November 2004, the PUC initiated a process, consisting of three sets of workshops (two sets of which have been completed) that are intended to lead to the creation of a document forming the basis of a set of rules to be adopted in a rule-making process relating to electric utility regulatory policies, energy policies and support for reducing Hawaii’s dependence on imported petroleum for electrical generation, and a measure to remove a cap on the amount of net energy metering we would be required to make available to eligible customers. Werate design. The Companies cannot predict the likelihood that these or other measures will be enacted into law in the current legislative session or in the future or their potential effect on us.

ultimate outcome of this process.

Risks Relating to the QUIPS and the QUIDS

Because the Trust will rely on the payments it receives on the QUIDS to fund all payments on the QUIPS, and because the Trust may distribute Distributable HECO QUIDS in exchange for the QUIPS, you are making an investment decision with regard to the Distributable HECO QUIDS as well as the QUIPS. You should carefully review the information in this prospectus about both of these securities.

Notes

Obligations under the Trust Guarantee, the QUIDSNotes and the Subsidiary GuaranteesHECO guarantees will be deeply subordinated.

unsecured.

The obligations of each Company under its QUIDS and under the Expense Agreement, and of HECO under the Trust Guarantee, areNotes will be unsecured and will rank juniorequally in right of payment with all other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of that Company outstanding from time to all Senior Indebtedness of such Company.time. The obligations of HECO under its guarantees of the Subsidiary Guarantees areHELCO Notes and the MECO Notes will also be unsecured and will rank juniorequally in right of payment towith all other existingunsecured and future liabilitiesunsubordinated debt of HECO and rank equally with any guarantee by HECO of any securities similaroutstanding from time to the MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS issued by any subsidiary of HECO. This means, among other things, that each Company cannot make any payments of principal (including redemption payments) or interest on its QUIDS, or in the case of HECO on its guarantees, if that Company defaults on its Senior Indebtedness.time. In the event of the bankruptcy, liquidation or dissolution of any Company,of the Companies, assets of that Company’s assetsCompany would be available to pay obligations under that Company’s QUIDS only after allNotes (or, with respect to HECO, under its guarantees) pro rata with payments had been made on that Company’s Senior Indebtedness.obligations of equal rank. At December 31, 2003,September 30, 2005, the principal portion of the Senior Indebtednessunsecured, unsubordinated obligations of HECO (exclusive of short-term borrowings and contingent amounts under HECO’s guarantees of the obligations of its subsidiaries)subsidiaries and net of funds on deposit with a trustee and unamortized discount), HELCO and MECO and HELCO was approximately $434.8 million, $143.7 million and $120.9 million, respectively (or $699.4 million in the aggregate).

HECO receives interest and dividends from MECO and HELCO. Accordingly,that would have ranked equally with the HECO QUIDSNotes and the HECO guarantees, the HELCO Notes and the MECO Notes, respectively, was approximately $448 million, $121 million and $144 million.

       Because HECO owns all of the common equity of HELCO and MECO, the HECO Notes will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of HECO’s subsidiaries (which, to the extent such existing liabilities constitute the principal portion of Senior Indebtednessthe indebtedness of such subsidiaries (net of unamortized discount), was equal to approximately $264.6$285 million in the aggregate at December 31, 2003)September 30, 2005). Holders of QUIDS should thus look only to the assets of HECO for payments on the HECO QUIDS and HECO’s guarantees.

The Indentures (as defined in this prospectus) for the QUIDS, the Trust Agreement (as defined in this prospectus)Notes and the HECO guarantees do not limit the amount of secured or unsecured debt including Senior Indebtedness, that may be incurred by any of the Companies. The Notes of each Company will rank junior to any future secured debt incurred by that Company. As of the date of this prospectus, none of the Companies had any secured debt outstanding. The Companies anticipate that they will continue to make substantial capital expenditures in the future. They also might make acquisitions, some of which may be significant, and the funding for which may be generated, in whole or in part, from the incurrence of indebtedness. The incurrence of

9


indebtedness to fund capital expenditures or acquisitions, which in each case could be secured and, therefore, senior to the Notes, could result in a downgrading of HECO’s credit rating and have an adverse effect upon the market value of the Notes. Also, the provisions of the Trust Agreement, the Indentures and the HECO guarantees do not afford holders of the QUIPS or the QUIDSNotes protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving the Companies, or in the event of a change in control, that may adversely affect holders of the QUIPS or the QUIDS.Notes. See “Description of QUIDS—Subordination,the Notes and Guarantees. “Description
There has been no prior market for the Notes.
       The Notes constitute a new issue of Trust Guarantee—Statussecurities with no established trading market and there can be no guarantee that a trading market for the Notes will develop or, if a trading market for the Notes does develop, of the Trust Guarantee” and “Descriptiondepth of Subsidiary Guarantees and Expense Agreement.”

The Companies may incur substantial Senior Indebtedness to fund their capital and other expenditures and holders of the QUIPS are subject to the risks associated with such debt.

The Companies anticipate that they will continue to make substantial capital expenditures in the future. They also may make acquisitions, some of which may be significant,market and the funding for which may be generated, in whole or in part, from the incurrenceability of indebtedness.holders to easily sell their Notes. The incurrence of indebtedness to fund capital expenditures or acquisitions, which in each case could be senior to the QUIPS and the QUIDS, could result in a downgrading of HECO’s credit rating and have an adverse effect upon the market value of the QUIPS and the QUIDS.

If the Companies do not make payments on the QUIDS, the TrustNotes will not be able to pay Distributions and other paymentslisted on the QUIPS and the Trust Guarantee will not apply.

The Trust’s ability to make timely Distribution and redemption payments on the QUIPS is completely dependent upon each Company making timely payments on its QUIDS. If any Company defaults on its QUIDS (or HECO defaults on its obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantees), the Trust will lack funds for making payments on the QUIPS. If this happens, holders of QUIPS will not be able to rely on the Trust Guarantee for payment of such amounts because the Trust Guarantee only guarantees that HECO will make Distribution and redemption payments on the QUIPS if the Trust has the funds to do so itself but does not. Instead, you or the Property Trustee (as defined in this prospectus) will have to bring a legal action against the Companies to enforce the Property Trustee’s rights under the Indentures relating to the QUIDS, including under the Subsidiary Guarantees.

Distribution payments on the QUIPS could be deferred for substantial periods, but holders would continue to recognize income for tax purposes.

As long as no event of default is continuing with respect to its QUIDS, each of the Companies has the right under the Indenture for its QUIDS to begin an Extension Period, during which it will defer interest payments on its QUIDS and the Trust will defer payments of Distributions on the QUIPS in a corresponding amount. Each Extension Period may last for up to 20 consecutive quarters (but not beyond the Stated Maturity) for those QUIDS. There is no particular limit on the number of Extension Periods that a Company may begin if no event of default is continuing with respect to its QUIDS. Unless all three of the Companies defer the payment of interest on their QUIDS for the same Extension Period, holders will receive partial Distributions in the amounts not deferred. See “Description of QUIPS—Distributions” and “Description of QUIDS—Option to Extend Interest Payment Period.”

If an Extension Period occurs, each holder of QUIPS (even if it uses the cash method of accounting) will be required to accrue income (in the form of original issue discount (“OID”) for United States federal income tax purposes) in respect of its proportionate share of the deferred interest on the QUIDS of the deferring Company. As a result, you would be required to include such income in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes before you actually receive any cash attributable to that income.securities exchange. In addition, you would not receive the cash related to such income from the Trust if you sold the QUIPS prior to the record date for any Distribution Date (as defined in this prospectus) on which such deferred Distribution is paid, even if you held the QUIPS on the date that the payments were normally made. However, accrued OID would be added to your adjusted tax basis in your QUIPS but may not be reflected in the amount you realized on the sale. To the extent the amount realized was less than your adjusted tax basis, you would recognize a capital loss for United States federal income tax purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Stated Interest and Original Issue Discount” and “—Sales or Redemption of QUIPS.”

The QUIPS may be redeemed prior to maturity, including if certain Special Events occur.

The QUIDS may be redeemed in whole or in part on one or more occasions on or after March     , 2009. In addition, upon the occurrence and continuation of either a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event, the Companies, at the direction of HECO, have the right to redeem the QUIDS in whole (but not in part) within 90 days following the occurrence of such event. If the QUIDS are redeemed, the QUIPS must be redeemed. Thus, it is possible that the QUIPS could also be redeemed before March      , 2009. “Tax Event” refers to certain changes in the current tax treatment of the interest on the QUIDS or the QUIPS trust structure and “Investment Company Event” refers to changes in regulation of investment companies from which the QUIPS trust structure is currently exempt. Each of these terms is described below under “Description of QUIPS” and some of the

possible tax consequences to you are described below under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences.”

The redemption price for the QUIDS would be 100% of the principal amount being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. Under current United States federal income tax law, a redemption of the QUIPS would constitute a taxable event to the holders. In addition, based on interest rates and market conditions at the time of redemption, holders may not be able to reinvest the money that they receive in a redemption at a rate that is equal to or higher than the rate of return on the QUIPS.

HECO could cause the Trust to distribute the Distributable HECO QUIDS to the holders of the QUIPS at any time, with adverse tax consequences.

HECO has the right, at any time, in its sole discretion, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the holders of the QUIPS, but subject to obtaining prior approval from the PUC, to direct the Property Trustee to dissolve the Trust. If such action is taken, HECO would issue the Substituted HECO QUIDS to the Trust in exchange for the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS and then cause HECO QUIDS and the Substituted HECO QUIDS (which we refer to together in this prospectus as the “Distributable HECO QUIDS”) to be distributed to the holders of QUIPS in liquidation of their interests in the Trust. For purposes of current United States federal income tax law, and assuming (as expected) that the Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a corporation, the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS. However, the exchange of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS for the Substituted HECO QUIDS would likely be treated as a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS if the exchange were deemed to constitute a change of “obligor” within the meaning of United States federal income tax law with respect to the QUIDS so exchanged. As a result of this taxable exchange, you would recognize gain or loss as described under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS.” In addition, the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS could be taxable to holders of QUIPS if the Trust were characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the time of dissolution, if a Tax Event occurred and the Trust became taxable on income received or accrued on the QUIDS, or upon the occurrence of certain other circumstances. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS.”

HECO may shorten or extend the Stated Maturity of the QUIDS.

If certain conditions are met, HECO will have the right to either shorten or extend the Stated Maturity of all the QUIDS—and therefore change the mandatory redemption date for the QUIPS—to as early as March      , 2009, or as late as March      , 2053. Consequently, the QUIPS may be repaid after you have held them only five years or you may have to wait nineteen years beyond the initial Stated Maturity before you are entitled to have your QUIPS repaid.

General market conditions, deferral and extension rights and the tax treatment of the QUIPS could adversely affect market prices for the QUIPS.

Therethere can be no assurance about the market prices for QUIPS or for the Distributable HECO QUIDS that may be distributed in exchange for QUIPS if a dissolution of the Trust occurs.Notes. Accordingly, the QUIPSNotes that an investor purchases, whether in this offering or in the secondary market, or the Distributable HECO QUIDS that a holder of QUIPS receives on dissolution of the Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid for the QUIPS. In addition, upon the exchange of the Substituted HECO QUIDS for the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS, the Substituted HECO QUIDS may be treated as having been issued either with OID or at a premium, depending on their fair market value at the time of the exchange and a holder’s tax basis in the QUIPS at the time of the exchange. Accordingly, you would be required for United States federal income tax purposes to include

Notes.

OID in income on an economic accrual basis with respect to such Substituted HECO QUIDS if the Substituted HECO QUIDS are treated as having been issued with OID (even it you use the cash method of accounting).10


Because of the rights of the Companies to defer interest payments on the QUIDS and to shorten or extend the Stated Maturity on the QUIDS, the market price of the QUIPS may be more volatile than the market prices of similar securities that are not subject to these rights. Moreover, any exercise of these rights could cause the market price of the QUIPS to decline. Accordingly, the QUIPS that an investor purchases whether in this offering or in the secondary market, or the Distributable HECO QUIDS that a holder of QUIPS receives on dissolution of the Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid for the QUIPS. Furthermore, a holder that disposes of any QUIPS or QUIDS during an Extension Period, when trading prices are likely to be adversely affected by the deferral, might not receive the same return on its investment as a holder that holds its QUIPS until the Extension Period ends.

The market price of the QUIPS may not fully reflect accrued interest.

The QUIPS may trade at prices that do not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying QUIDS. A holder of QUIPS that disposes of its QUIPS between record dates for any Distribution Dates will nevertheless be required to include in income as ordinary income an amount equal to the accrued but unpaid interest on the QUIDS through the date of disposition. Such holder will recognize a capital loss to the extent the selling price (which may not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest) is less than its adjusted tax basis. Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for United States federal income tax purposes. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Sales or Redemption of QUIPS.”

Holders of QUIPS will have limited voting rights.

In general, holders of QUIPS will have limited voting rights relating only to the modification of the Trust Agreement (which establishes the terms and conditions of the QUIPS), the exercise of the Trust’s rights as the holder of the QUIDS, and the dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust other than pursuant to the terms of the Trust Agreement. Holders of QUIPS will not be entitled to vote to appoint, remove or replace the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee, which voting rights are vested exclusively in HECO as the holder of the Common Securities, except upon the occurrence of certain events. The Administrative Trustees, who initially are officers of HECO, and HECO may amend the Trust Agreement without the consent of holders of QUIPS to ensure that (i) the Trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust, (ii) the QUIDS will be treated as indebtedness of the Companies and (iii) the Trust will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, even if such action adversely affects the interests of such holders. See “Description of QUIPS—Removal of Trustees” and “—Voting Rights; Amendment of the Trust Agreement.”

There has been no prior market for the QUIPS.

The QUIPS constitute a new issue of securities with no established trading market. Although the QUIPS have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, and HECO expects trading of the QUIPS to begin within 30 days after they are first issued, a listing does not guarantee that a trading market for the QUIPS will develop or, if a trading market for the QUIPS does develop, the depth of that market and the ability of holders to easily sell their QUIPS. Although we have agreed to use our best efforts to list the Distributable HECO QUIDS on the New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange on which the QUIPS are then listed, we cannot assure you that the New York Stock Exchange will approve the Distributable HECO QUIDS for listing or that a trading market will exist for the Distributable HECO QUIDS.

HECO CAPITAL TRUST III

HECO Capital Trust III is a statutory trust created under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as amended (the “Trust Act”), pursuant to the trust agreement executed by HECO, as Depositor, The Bank of New York, as property trustee (the “Property Trustee”), The Bank of New York (Delaware), as the Delaware trustee, and the three Administrative Trustees named therein (collectively, the “Trustees”), and by the filing of a certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 20, 2003. The Administrative Trustees are individuals who are officers of HECO. The trust agreement will be amended and restated in its entirety (as so amended and restated, the “Trust Agreement”) substantially in the form filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part filed by the Companies and the Trust with the SEC. The Trust’s business and affairs are conducted by the Trustees. The Bank of New York, as Property Trustee, will act as sole trustee under the Trust Agreement for purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The Bank of New York will also act as trustee for purposes of the Trust Guarantee (the “Trust Guarantee Trustee”) and the Indentures (the “Debenture Trustee”). See “Description of QUIDS,” “Description of Trust Guarantee” and “Description of Subsidiary Guarantees and Expense Agreement.” HECO, as the holder of the Common Securities, or the holders of a majority in liquidation preference of the QUIPS if any Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace the Property Trustee or the Delaware Trustee. In no event will the holders of the QUIPS have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the Administrative Trustees; such voting rights are vested exclusively in HECO, as the holder of the Common Securities. The duties and obligations of each Trustee are governed by the Trust Agreement. The Companies will pay all fees and expenses related to the Trust and the offering of the QUIPS and will pay, directly or indirectly, all ongoing costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust. The principal office of the Trust is c/o The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street, 8W, New York, New York 10286, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration. Inquiries concerning the Trust may also be directed to HECO, P.O. Box 2750, Honolulu, Hawaii 96840, Attention: Treasurer.

The Trust exists for the exclusive purposes and functions of (i) issuing and selling the QUIPS and the Common Securities, (ii) using the proceeds from the sale of the QUIPS and the Common Securities to acquire QUIDS issued by the Companies, (iii) making Distributions and other payments on the QUIPS and the Common Securities, (iv) maintaining the status of the Trust as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes and (v) engaging in only those other activities necessary, convenient or incidental thereto. Accordingly, the QUIDS and the Subsidiary Guarantees, together with the Expense Agreement, will be the sole assets of the Trust, and payments under the QUIDS and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be the sole revenues of the Trust out of which the Distributions may be made. We have agreed in the Expense Agreement to provide funds to the Trust to pay any amounts the Trust owes to persons other than holders of the QUIPS.

All of the Common Securities will be owned by HECO. The Common Securities will rank equally, and payments will be made thereon pro rata with the QUIPS, except that upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default under the Trust Agreement resulting from a Debenture Event of Default, the rights of HECO as holder of the Common Securities to payment in respect of Distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption or otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the QUIPS. See “Description of QUIPS—Subordination of Common Securities.” HECO will acquire 61,856 Common Securities with an aggregate liquidation preference of $1,546,400, which will represent 3% of the total capital of the Trust. The Common Securities will have a liquidation preference of $25 per Common Security and distributions on the Common Securities will be made at the same rate as distributions are made on the QUIPS. The Trust has a term of approximately 52 years, but may dissolve earlier as provided in the Trust Agreement.

HECO currently expects to treat the Trust in accordance with Rule 3-10(b) of SEC Regulation S-X and thus not to provide separate financial statements for the Trust. Instead, HECO will include an appropriate footnote pertaining to the QUIPS and the Trust in its financial statements. See “Accounting Treatment.”

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

HECO, a Hawaii corporation, was incorporated under the laws of the Kingdom of Hawaii on October 13, 1891, and became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (“HEI”), a Hawaii corporation, as a result of a corporate reorganization completed on July 1, 1983. HECO’s principal business and executive offices are located at 900 Richards Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 and its telephone number is (808) 543-7771.

HECO owns all of the common stock of MECO, acquired in 1968, and HELCO, acquired in 1970. HELCO was incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Hawaii on December 5, 1894, and its principal business and executive offices are located at 1200 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, and its telephone number is(808) 935-1171. MECO was incorporated under the laws of the Territory of Hawaii on April 28, 1921, and its principal business and executive offices are located at 210 West Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii 96732, and its telephone number is(808) 871-8461.
       HECO, HELCO was incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Hawaii on December 5, 1894, and its principal business and executive offices are located at 1200 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, and its telephone number is (808) 969-1171.

HECO, MECO and HELCO are regulated operating electric public utilities engaged in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity on the islands of Oahu; Hawaii; and Maui, Lanai and Molokai; and Hawaii,Molokai, respectively. These five islands had a combined population on December 31, 20032004 estimated at 1,197,000,1,202,000, or approximately 95 percent of the State’sState of Hawaii’s total population, and a service area of approximately 5,766 square miles. The principal communities served include Honolulu (on Oahu), Hilo and Kona (on Hawaii) and Wailuku and Kahului (on Maui) and Hilo and Kona (on Hawaii). The service areas also include numerous suburban communities, resorts, U.S. Armed Forces installations and agricultural operations.

The Companies provide the only electric public utility service on the islands they serve. The following table sets forth the number of electric customer accounts as of December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 20032004 and the related electric sales revenues by Company for each of the years then ended (dollars in thousands) :

   2001

  2002

  2003

   Customer
accounts


  Electric sales
revenues


  Customer
accounts


  Electric sales
revenues


  Customer
accounts


  Electric sales
revenues


HECO

  280,911  $882,308  283,161  $865,608  286,677  $960,717

MECO

  58,840   203,847  59,983   191,029  61,423   213,806

HELCO

  65,241   193,209  66,411   191,589  68,893   213,268
   
  

  
  

  
  

   404,992  $1,279,364  409,555  $1,248,226  416,993  $1,387,791
   
  

  
  

  
  

ended:

                         
  2002 2003 2004
       
  Customer Electric Sales Customer Electric Sales Customer Electric Sales
  Accounts Revenues Accounts Revenues Accounts Revenues
             
  (Dollars in thousands)
HECO  283,161  $865,608   286,677  $960,717   288,456  $1,050,388 
HELCO  66,411   191,589   68,893   213,268   71,594   240,947 
MECO  59,983   191,029   61,423   213,806   61,996   250,750 
                   
   409,555  $1,248,226   416,993  $1,387,791   422,046  $1,542,085 
                   
Revenues from the sale of electricity in 20032004 were from the following types of customers in the proportions shown:
                 
  HECO HELCO MECO Total
         
Residential  32%  41%  37%  34%
Commercial  32   41   34   34 
Large light and power  35   18   29   31 
Other  1         1 
             
   100%  100%  100%  100%
             
       Kilowatthour sales of HECO and its subsidiaries follow a seasonal pattern, but they do not experience the extreme seasonal variation like some electric utilities on the mainland. The seasonal variation in sales is largely the result of corresponding mild variations in weather. Sales tend to increase in the warmer summer months, probably as a result of increased demand for air conditioning and refrigeration. However, the weather in Hawaii is generally temperate, and Hawaii does not experience the wide range of fluctuations in temperature and humidity seen in the hot summers and cold winters in some parts of the mainland.
       HECO and its subsidiaries derived approximately 10%, 10% and 9% of their operating revenues from the sale of electricity to various federal government agencies in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

   HECO

  MECO

  HELCO

  Total

 

Residential

  32% 36% 41% 34%

Commercial

  32  35  41  34 

Large light and power

  35  29  18  31 

Other

  1  —    —    1 
   

 

 

 

   100% 100% 100% 100%
   

 

 

 

11


SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with HECO’s consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, selected financial data, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” included in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The consolidated Income Statement and Operating Data for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, and the consolidated Capitalization Data as of December 31, 2003,2004 are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements included in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The consolidated Income Statement and Operating Data for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the Capitalization Data as of September 30, 2005, are derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, which, in the opinion of management, include all material adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of HECO’s consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2005 and results of operations for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. The results of operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2005 may not necessarily be indicative of the results to be expected for the full calendar year. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in the future.
                      
    Nine Months Ended
  Years Ended December 31, September 30,
     
  2002 2003 2004 2004 2005
           
  (Dollars in thousands)
Income Statement Data:
                    
Operating Revenues $1,252,929  $1,393,038  $1,546,875  $1,124,103  $1,292,374 
Operating Expenses:                    
 Fuel Oil  310,595   388,560   483,423   340,166   447,064 
 Purchased Power  326,455   368,076   398,836   292,491   329,671 
 Other Operating Expenses  480,722   511,564   543,324   394,620   430,336 
                
 Total Operating Expenses  1,117,772   1,268,200   1,425,583   1,027,277   1,207,071 
                
Operating Income $135,157  $124,838  $121,292  $96,826  $85,303 
                
Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction $3,954  $4,267  $5,794  $5,056  $3,675 
Income Before Interest and Other Charges(1) $142,252  $131,008  $130,218  $104,768  $91,789 
Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction $1,855  $1,914  $2,542  $2,236  $1,460 
Income Before Preferred Stock Dividends of HECO(2) $91,285  $79,991  $82,257  $68,743  $55,426 
Net Income for Common Stock $90,205  $78,911  $81,177  $67,933  $54,616 
Operating Data:
                    
Average Fuel Oil Cost Per Barrel $29.10  $36.23  $42.67  $40.38  $52.85 
Kilowatthour Sales (Millions)  9,544   9,775   10,063   7,516   7,538 

12

   Years Ended December 31,

 
   2001

  2002

  2003

 

Income Statement Data:

             

(dollars in thousands)

             

Operating Revenues

  $1,284,312  $1,252,929  $1,393,038 
   

  

  


Operating Expenses

             

Fuel Oil

   346,728   310,595   388,560 

Purchased Power

   337,844   326,455   368,076 

Other Operating Expenses

   464,408   480,722   511,564 
   

  

  


Total Operating Expenses

   1,148,980   1,117,772   1,268,200 
   

  

  


Operating Income

  $135,332  $135,157  $124,838 
   

  

  


Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction

  $4,239  $3,954  $4,267 

Income Before Interest and Other Charges (1)

  $142,768  $142,252  $131,008 

Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction

  $2,258  $1,855  $1,914 

Income Before Preferred Stock Dividends of HECO (2)

  $89,380  $91,285  $79,991 

Net Income for Common Stock

  $88,300  $90,205  $78,911 

Operating Data:

             

Average Fuel Oil Cost Per Barrel

  $33.49  $29.10  $36.23 

Kilowatthour Sales (Millions)

   9,370   9,544   9,775 
      

As of

December 31, 2003


 

Capitalization Data:

             

(dollars in thousands)

             

Short-Term Borrowings

  $6,000   %

Long-Term Debt, Net

   699,420   39 

HECO-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Trust Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts (3)

   100,000   6 

Preferred Stock Without Mandatory Redemption Requirements

   34,293   2 

Common Stock Equity

   944,443     53 
       

  


Total Capitalization

  $1,784,156   100%
       

  



                  
  As of September 30, 2005
   
  Actual As Adjusted (3)
     
  (Dollars in thousands)
Capitalization Data:
                
Short-Term Borrowings(4) $125,001   6% $   %
Long-Term Debt, Net(5)  765,009   39   930,009   46 
Preferred Stock Without Mandatory Redemption Requirements  34,293   2   34,293   2 
Common Stock Equity  1,038,013   53   1,038,013   52 
             
 Total Capitalization $1,962,316   100% $2,002,315   100%
             
(1)Income Before Interest and Other Charges includes Operating Income plus the Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and nonoperating income.

(2)Income Before Preferred Stock Dividends of HECO includes Income Before Interest and Other Charges, less interest (reduced by Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction), amortization of net bond premium and expense, preferred stock dividends of HELCO and MECO and, prior to January 1, 2004, distributions on the preferred securities of HECO Capital Trust I and HECO Capital Trust II.HECO’s trust subsidiaries.

(3)The amount of trust preferred securities will only be affected temporarily byAdjusted to reflect the issuance and sale of the QUIPS offered by this prospectus becauseNotes and the QUIPSapplication of the net proceeds to be received by the Companiestherefrom. See “Use of Proceeds.”
(4) Inter-company borrowings have been eliminated in exchange for their QUIDS will be applied to redeem a like amountconsolidation.
(5) Comprised of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures(i) $713 million (net) of unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Companies for borrowings of the proceeds of special purpose revenue bonds sold for the benefit of the Companies by the Department of Budget and Finance of the relatedState of Hawaii and (ii) $52 million of subordinated indebtedness of the Companies for borrowings of the proceeds of the sale of trust preferred securities issued by HECO Capital Trust I in 1997. See “Use of Proceeds.” In addition, HECO Capital Trusts I and II are expected to be deconsolidated in the first quarter 2004. See “Accounting Treatment.”III.

13


SELECTED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following table summarizes certain financial information for the Companies on a consolidated basis (“HECO Consolidated”) and for HELCO and MECO, individually, as of and HELCO, individually.for the periods indicated. None of the information in the table is audited, except that the financial information for HECO Consolidated as of December 31, 2002 and 20032004 is derived from the audited financial statements included inof HECO for the documentsyear ended December 31, 2004 that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
                         
  HECO Consolidated HELCO MECO
       
  December 31, September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, September 30,
  2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005
             
  (In thousands)
Balance Sheet Data:
                        
Current Assets $384,544  $430,083  $58,978  $63,816  $65,976  $77,660 
Noncurrent Assets  2,495,071   2,568,662   500,985   517,705   427,873   433,255 
                   
  $2,879,615  $2,998,745  $559,963  $581,521  $493,849  $510,915 
                   
Common Stock Equity $1,017,104  $1,038,013  $186,505  $190,694  $189,413  $194,445 
Preferred Stock Without Mandatory Redemption Requirements  34,293   34,293   7,000   7,000   5,000   5,000 
Current Liabilities  334,227   377,887   77,186   87,047   39,524   44,549 
Noncurrent Liabilities  1,493,991   1,548,552   289,272   296,780   259,912   266,921 
                   
  $2,879,615  $2,998,745  $559,963  $581,521  $493,849  $510,915 
                   
                         
  HECO Consolidated HELCO MECO
       
  Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, September 30, September 30,
       
  2004 2005 2004 2005 2004 2005
             
  (In thousands)
Income Statement Data:
                        
Operating Revenues $1,124,103  $1,292,374  $175,186  $211,860  $184,206  $216,391 
Operating Income $96,826  $85,303  $16,486  $17,364  $23,203  $20,924 
Net Income for Common Stock $67,933  $54,616  $10,068  $10,726  $15,770  $14,578 

   HECO Consolidated

  MECO

  HELCO

   December 31,
2002


  December 31,
2003


  December 31,
2002


  December 31,
2003


  December 31,
2002


  

December 31,

2003


Balance Sheet Data:

                        

(in thousands)

                        

Current Assets

  $281,859  $306,470  $64,723  $69,683  $40,246  $45,215

Noncurrent Assets

   2,211,577   2,274,786   395,810   406,862   445,291   455,630
   

  

  

  

  

  

   $2,493,436  $2,581,256  $460,533  $476,545  $485,537  $500,845
   

  

  

  

  

  

Common Stock Equity

  $923,256  $944,443  $181,373  $187,195  $171,404  $174,639

Preferred Stock Without Mandatory Redemption Requirements

   34,293   34,293   5,000   5,000   7,000   7,000

HECO-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Trust Preferred Securities of Subsidiary Trusts

   100,000   100,000   —     —     —     —  

Current Liabilities

   184,277   216,998   30,879   38,979   45,537   47,075

Noncurrent Liabilities

   1,251,610   1,285,522   243,281   245,371   261,596   272,131
   

  

  

  

  

  

   $2,493,436  $2,581,256  $460,533  $476,545  $485,537  $500,845
   

  

  

  

  

  

   Years Ended
December 31,


  Years Ended
December 31,


  Years Ended
December 31,


   2002

  2003

  2002

  2003

  2002

  2003

Income Statement Data:

                        

(in thousands)

                        

Operating Revenues

  $1,252,929  $1,393,038  $192,337  $215,295  $192,209  $214,243

Operating Income

   135,157   124,838   28,711   28,672   21,813   20,450

Net Income for Common Stock

   90,205   78,911   18,101   18,207   12,444   11,149

14

No separate financial statements of MECO or HELCO have been included in this prospectus in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X. HECO’s financial statements will include, in accordance with Rule 3-10(c) of Regulation S-X, a footnote providing consolidating financial information, with separate columns for (i) HECO, (ii) HELCO, (iii) MECO, (iv) any other subsidiaries of HECO on a combined basis, (v) consolidating adjustments and (vi) total consolidated amounts, but may omit item (iv) so long as HECO’s subsidiaries other than HELCO and MECO are minor subsidiaries.


CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMS AND FINANCING REQUIREMENTS

Capital Expenditure Programs

Capital expenditures include the costs of projects which are required to meet expected load growth, to improve reliability and to replace and upgrade existing equipment. CapitalGross capital expenditures requiring the use of cash totaled approximately $147.0$212 million in 2003,2004, of which $91.3$133 million was attributable to HECO, $26.3$49 million to MECOHELCO and $29.4$30 million to HELCO.MECO. Approximately 58%48% of the 20032004 gross capital expenditures was for transmission and distribution projects and approximately 42% was for generation andprojects, with the balance for general plant projects.and other. Cash contributions in aid of construction received in 20032004 totaled $13.0$9 million.

For the first nine months of 2005, gross capital expenditures requiring the use of cash totaled approximately $92 million for HECO, $37 million for HELCO and $23 million for MECO.

The Companies’ current consolidated forecast of net capital expenditures, which excludes AFUDCfrom gross capital expenditures the allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) and capital expenditures funded by third-party contributions in aid of construction, for the five-year period 20042006 through 2008,2010, is currently estimated to total approximately $0.8 billion. Approximately 52%50% of gross capital expenditures forecast for this period, including AFUDC and third-party contributions in aid of construction, is for transmission and distribution projects, with 42% for generation projects and the remaining 48% primarily8% for generation projects.

general plant and other. These estimates do not include expenditures, which could be material, that would be required to comply with cooling water intake structure regulations adopted by the EPA in 2004, or the proposed Clear Skies Bill, if adopted by Congress.

Capital expenditure estimates and the timing of construction projects are reviewed periodically by management and may change significantly as a result of many considerations, including changes in economic conditions, changes in forecasts of kilowatt hourkilowatthour sales and peak load, the availability of purchased power and changes in expectations concerning the construction and ownership of future generating units, the availability of generating sites and transmission and distribution corridors, the ability to obtain adequate and timely rate increases, escalation in construction costs, the impacts of demand-sidedemand side management programs, and combined heat and power (CHP) installations, the effects of opposition to proposed construction projects and requirements of environmental and other regulatory and permitting authorities.

Financing Requirements

The Companies’ consolidated financing requirements for the years 2006 through 2010, primarily for net capital expenditures, for 2004 through 2008 are currently estimated to total approximately $0.8 billion. HECO’s consolidated internal sources (primarily consolidated cash flows from operating activities (comprisedoperations comprised mainly of net income, adjusted for noncash income and expense items such as depreciation, amortization and deferred taxes)taxes, and changes in working capital), after the payment of common stock and preferred stock dividends, are currently not expected to provide sufficient cash to covermeet consolidated financing requirements and to reduce the forecast consolidated net capital expenditures, except for a slight increase inlevel of short-term borrowings and in long-term debt from the drawdown of outstanding revenue bond proceeds. Short-term borrowing levels areborrowings. Debt financing is expected to fluctuate during the forecast period. Additional debt or equity financing, or both, may be required for various reasons, includingto fund this shortfall and any unanticipated expenditures not included in the 2006 through 2010 forecast, such as increases in the costs of or an acceleration of the construction of capital projects, unbudgeted acquisitions or investments in new businesses and significant increases in contributions to retirement benefit plans.
       The Companies participate in pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Funding for the qualified pension plans is based upon actuarially determined contributions that consider the amount deductible for income tax purposes and the funding requirements thatof the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). Although the Companies were not required to make any contributions to the pension plans to meet minimum funding requirements pursuant to ERISA for 2005, 2004 or 2003, they did make voluntary contributions in those years. With respect to the postretirement benefits plans, the Company’s policy is to comply with directives from the PUC to fund the costs. Additional contributions to the retirement benefit plans may be required, or may be

15


made even if not required, and such contributions could be in amounts substantially in excess of the market value of pension plan assets does not increase or there are changes in actuarial assumptions and other unanticipated expenditures notamounts currently included in the 2004Companies’ forecast of their consolidated financing requirements for the period 2006 through 2008 forecast. In addition to the planned redemption of the trust preferred securities issued by HECO Capital Trust I with the proceeds of this offering, the Companies currently plan to utilize short-term borrowings from HEI and internal funds to effect the redemption of the trust preferred securities issued by HECO Capital Trust II. It is anticipated that HECO will pay down these short-term borrowings over time with lower dividends to HEI.

2010.

The PUC must approve issuances of long-term debt and equity for HECO, HELCO and MECO and HELCO andan application has been filed requesting that the PUC has approvedapprove the issuance of the QUIDS to be purchased by the Trust from the proceeds of the Common Securities and the QUIPS offered hereby. Prior approval of the PUC will be required before the Substituted HECO QUIDS may be issued to effect an exchange of Substituted HECO QUIDS for HELCO QUIDS and MECO QUIDS in connection with a liquidation of the Trust and a distribution to holders of the QUIPS of the Distributable HECO QUIDS.

Notes.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND TO

COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth HECO’s consolidated ratios of earnings to fixed charges, and to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends, for the periods indicated:

   Years Ended December 31,

   1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

  3.09  3.39  3.51  3.71  3.36

Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends

  3.00  3.31  3.41  3.60  3.27

In computing the Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges, earnings represent Income Before Preferred Stock Dividends of HECO (reduced by Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction) plus federal and state income taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest on all indebtedness (without reduction for the Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used During Construction) plus amortization of net bond premium and expense, pre-tax preferred stock dividend requirements of MECO and HELCO, the estimated interest component of rentals and the preferred securities distribution requirements of HECO Capital Trust I and HECO Capital Trust II. In computing the Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends, earnings represent Net Income for Common Stock, and pre-tax preferred stock dividend requirements of HECO are added to fixed charges.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

The Companies and the Trust have filed a registration statement with the SEC. This prospectus is part of the registration statement, but the registration statement also contains additional information and exhibits. HECO also files annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy the registration statement and any document that HECO files at the SEC’s public reference room at 450 Fifth100 F Street, N.W.N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can call the SEC’s toll-free telephone number at1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains a web site athttp://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding companies (such as HECO) that file documents with the SEC electronically. The documents can be found by searching the EDGAR Archives at the SEC’s web site. HECO’s SEC filings, and other information on the Companies, may also be obtained on the Internet athttp://www.hei.com, the web site for Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., the parent company of HECO, but information contained on this web site does not constitute part of this prospectus.

The SEC allows HECO to “incorporate by reference” the information that it files with the SEC, which means that HECO can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus and should be read with the same care. Later information that HECO files with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus or an earlier filed document. HECO has filed with the SEC (File No. 1-4955) and incorporates by reference the documents below:

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

• Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
• Quarterly Reports onForm 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2005, June 30, 2005 and September 30, 2005.
• Current Reports onForm 8-K filed January 6, 2005, January 18, 2005, January 25, 2005, February 2, 2005, February 8, 2005, April 26, 2005, May 12, 2005, May 19, 2005, July 26, 2005, September 19, 2005, September 29, 2005, November 1, 2005, November 8, 2005, November 9, 2005, December 14, 2005 and January 20, 2006.
• Any future filings made by HECO with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) if the filings are made prior to the time that all of the Notes are sold in this offering.
Current Reports on Form 8-K filed January 8, 2004, January 14, 2004, January 21, 2004 and February 26, 2004.

Any future filings made by HECO with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) if the filings are made prior to the time that all of the QUIPS are sold in this offering.

You may request a free copy of these filings by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.

Attn: Treasurer

P.O. Box 2750

Honolulu, Hawaii 96840

Telephone: 808-543-7893
       HELCO and MECO are not required to provide separate financial statements and other separate disclosures since all of their voting capital stock is owned, and their registered securities have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, by HECO. The financial statements of HELCO and MECO will continue to be consolidated into HECO’s financial statements. HECO’s financial statements will also continue to include, in accordance with Rule 3-10(i) ofRegulation S-X, a

16


footnote providing consolidating financial information, with separate columns for (i) HECO, (ii) HELCO, (iii) MECO, (iv) any other subsidiary of HECO, (v) consolidating adjustments and (vi) total consolidated amounts, but may omit item (iv) so long as HECO’s subsidiaries other than HELCO and MECO are minor subsidiaries.
You should read and rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any supplement.prospectus. HECO has not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. HECO the Trust and the underwriters are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, in any supplement to this prospectus or in the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of those documents. The business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects of the Companies may have changed since those dates.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, which includes the documents incorporated by reference, contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The safe harbor provisions of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act of 1933 apply to forward-looking statements made by the Companies. Forward-looking statements, which include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and usually include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “predicts,”“expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “predicts”, “estimates” or similar expressions. In addition, any statements concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or losses or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects and possible future actions, which may be provided by management, are also forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections abutabout future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties about HECO and its subsidiaries, the performance of the industry in which they do business and economic and market factors, among other things. These factors include the risks and uncertainties identified in this prospectus (including under “Risk Factors”) and in the incorporated documents. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the actual results that the Companies achieve may differ materially. In addition, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made and, except for its ongoing obligations to disclose material information under the federal securities laws, HECO assumes no obligation to update these statements.

USE OF PROCEEDS

All of the proceeds from the sale of QUIPS and the Common Securities will be invested by the Trust in the QUIDS. All of the proceeds from the sale to the Trust of the QUIDS, together with any necessary additional funds to be provided by the Companies, will be used by the Companies to redeem the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures that they issued to HECO Capital Trust I in 1997, which will in turn result in the redemption of the outstanding trust preferred securities and common securities of HECO Capital Trust I and the termination of that trust. Such redemption is expected to be completed within 45 days after completion of the sale of the QUIPS at a redemption price of 100% of the stated liquidation preference thereof plus accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of redemption. All or a portion of the

       The net proceeds from the sale of the QUIDS mayHECO Notes will be invested temporarily, either byapproximately $           million after the Companies or by the trustee for the junior subordinated deferrable

interest debentures issued to HECO Capital Trust I (to the extent such investments are permissible by the trustee), until their application to effect such redemption, in commercial paper, repurchase agreements, United States treasury securities, United States federal agency securities, tax-exempt securities, certificatesdeduction of deposit, money market funds, time deposits or Euro dollar deposits, or a combination of such short-term investments. The stated annual interest/distribution rate of the junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures/trust preferred securities to be redeemed is 8.05%.

ACCOUNTING TREATMENT

Historically, HECO has included the financial statements of trusts similar to the Trust (i.e., HECO Capital Trust Iunderwriting discounts and HECO Capital Trust II) in its consolidated financial statements, with the quarterly income preferred securities issued by those trusts being classified in HECO’s consolidated balance sheet under the heading “HECO-obligated mandatorily redeemable trust preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely HECO and HECO-guaranteed debentures.”

In December 2003, the FASB issued revised FIN No. 46 (“FIN 46R”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (a “VIE”) through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. HECO Capital Trusts I, II and III are VIEs within the meaning of FIN 46R and HECO is evaluating the impact of applying FIN 46R in the first quarter of 2004 to these entities. Although HECO has not yet completed its analysis, at this time itexpenses. It is anticipated that the net proceeds from the sale of the HECO Notes will be used by HECO for capital expenditures and/or to repay short-term borrowings (including borrowings from affiliates) incurred for capital expenditures or to refinance short-term borrowings used for capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2005, the short-term indebtedness of HECO consisted of approximately $136.2 million of commercial paper and $5.3 million of borrowings from MECO. Such commercial paper bears interest at rates ranging from 4.40% to 4.51% and had maturities ranging from 13 days to 20 days. The borrowings from MECO bear interest at rates equal to the average of the effective7-day Treasury Repurchase rate quoted by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated on each Friday during the month, calculated in arrears after the end of each month and applied to the fluctuating balances during the month (computed on the basis of a365-day year, actual days). The rate for borrowings in the month of December 2005 was 3.94% and the borrowings as of December 31, 2005 had maturities of up to 339 days, subject to HECO’s right to prepay such borrowings, in whole or in part, at any time.

       The net proceeds from the sale of the HELCO Notes will be approximately $           million after the deduction of underwriting discounts and HELCO’s expenses. It is anticipated that the net

17


proceeds from the sale of the HELCO Notes will be used by HELCO for capital expenditures and/or to repay short-term borrowings from HECO incurred for capital expenditures or to refinance short-term borrowings used for capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2005, the short-term indebtedness of HELCO, consisting of borrowings from HECO, totaled approximately $49.7 million. Interest on such borrowings is calculated in arrears after the end of each month and applied to the fluctuating balances during the month, at rates equal to HECO’s effective weighted-average rate on short-term external borrowings. If HECO has no external borrowings, HELCO is charged a rate equal to the average of the effective rate for30-day dealer-placed commercial paper quoted by the Wall Street Journal on each Friday during the month, plus fifteen basis points (.15%). The rate for borrowings during the month of December 2005 was 4.42% and HELCO’s borrowings as of December 31, 2005 had maturities of up to 339 days, subject to HELCO’s right to prepay such borrowings, in whole or in part, at any time.
       The net proceeds from the sale of the MECO Notes will be approximately $           million after the deduction of underwriting discounts and MECO’s expenses. It is anticipated that the net proceeds from the sale of the MECO Notes will be used by MECO for capital expenditures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES AND GUARANTEES
General
       The aggregate principal amounts and Stated Maturities of, and the interest rates borne by, the respective Notes of each of the Companies offered hereby are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus.
       The Notes will be issued by each of the Companies as an individual series under their respective separate indentures, each dated as of March 1, 2006, (each, respectively, an “Indenture” and, collectively, the “Indentures”), between each of the Companies, as issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (“Trustee”). The Notes and all other series of debt securities hereafter issued under the Indentures are collectively referred to as the “Indenture Securities.” HECO will deconsolidate HECO Capital Trust I and HECO Capital Trust II and will not consolidate HECO Capital Trust III since HECO may not be the primary beneficiary of these trusts. Similarly, HECO will not include the financial statements of any of these trustsa party, in its consolidated financial statements. This deconsolidation will result in HECO reflecting an investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries and a long-term debt payablecapacity as guarantor, to the trusts, ratherIndentures of HELCO and MECO. Other than trust preferred securities, inthe provisions relating to HECO’s 2004 consolidated balance sheets. HECO will also record equity in net income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and interest expense, rather than preferred securities distributions of trust subsidiariesguarantees in the same amount, in HECO’s consolidated statementsIndentures of income for 2004.

DESCRIPTION OF QUIPS

The QUIPS will be created pursuantHELCO and MECO, the Indentures contain substantially similar provisions. Unless otherwise stated, the following summaries of the Notes, Indenture Securities and the Indentures apply separately to each Indenture and to the termsNotes and Indenture Securities issued thereunder. References to the “Company” herein are to HECO, HELCO and MECO, as the case may be, as the issuer of Notes under its respective Indenture. Words capitalized and not otherwise defined herein have the Trust Agreement.meanings given to them in the Indentures. The following is a summary of certain ofsummaries herein concerning the terms and provisions ofNotes, the QUIPSGuarantees and the Trust Agreement. This summary isIndentures do not apurport to be complete description of all ofand are qualified in their entirety by express reference to the terms and provisions ofNotes, the QUIPSGuarantees and the Trust Agreement. For more information, we refer you toIndentures. A copy of the form of the Trust Agreement, which has beeneach Indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus formsis a part.

General

Pursuant Wherever particular provisions of the Indentures or terms defined therein are referred to, such provisions or definitions are incorporated by reference as a part of the statements made herein and such statements are qualified in their entirety by such reference.

       The Indentures provide that, in addition to the termsNotes, additional debt securities may be issued thereunder, without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. The Indentures do not limit the amount of other debt, secured or unsecured, which may be issued by each Company and each Company anticipates incurring additional debt in connection with its respective capital expenditure programs, principally in the form of loans of the Trust Agreement,proceeds from the Trustsale of special purpose revenue bonds, short-term borrowings and/or the sale of additional Indenture Securities under their respective Indentures. The Notes of each Company will issue the QUIPSbe senior unsecured obligations of that Company and the Common Securities. The QUIPS will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and paymentsunsubordinated debt outstanding from time to

18


time. The HECO guarantees will be made thereon pro rata based on aggregate liquidation preference amounts,senior unsecured obligations of HECO and will rank equally with all of its other unsecured and unsubordinated debt outstanding from time to time, including the Common SecuritiesHECO Notes.
       Each of the Trust, except thatCompanies also has the QUIPS will be entitledability to a preferenceissue secured debt, subject to certain restrictions in certain circumstances with respect to Distributionsagreements between HECO and amounts payable on redemption or liquidation over the Common Securities. See “—Subordinationinsurers of Common Securities.”

The QUIPS will represent preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, and will be entitled to other benefits as described in the Trust Agreement. The QUIDS, HECO’s Subsidiary Guarantees and the Expense Agreement will be the only assets of the Trust. Legal title to the QUIDS will be held by the Property Trustee in trustspecial purpose revenue bonds issued for the benefit of the holdersCompanies. The Notes of each Company will rank junior to any future secured debt incurred by that Company. As of the QUIPS anddate of this prospectus, none of the Common Securities. The Trust GuaranteeCompanies had any secured debt outstanding.

       Each Note will bemature on the date stated on the face of the Note (each such date being a guarantee on a subordinated basis“Stated Maturity”). “Business Day” with respect to each Note means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, which is not a day on which banking institutions or trust companies in the QUIPS but will not guaranteeState of New York or the city in which is located any office or agency maintained for the payment of Distributionsprincipal of or amountsinterest on such Note are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. “Maturity” with respect to each Note means the date on which the principal of such Note becomes due and payable onas provided in the respective Indenture, whether at the Stated Maturity, by declaration of acceleration, upon call for redemption or liquidationotherwise.
       The Company and the Trustee, or the agents of either, may treat the Person in whose name the Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for all purposes and any notice to the contrary shall have no effect on the Company, the Trustee or the agents of either.
Payment of Principal and Interest
       Each Note shall be dated as of the QUIPS when the Trust does not have funds on hand available to make such payments. See “Descriptiondate of Trust Guarantee.”

Distributions

Distributions on QUIPS will be payable at the annual rate of     % of the stated liquidation preference of $25 per QUIPS, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30its authentication and, December 31 of each year. Distributions will accumulate from the original issue date. The first Distribution payment date for the QUIPS will be March 31, 2004. The amount of Distributions payable for any period will be computedunless otherwise provided, shall bear interest, calculated on the basis of a360-day year consisting of twelve30-day months, exceptfrom its Original Issue Date (defined below) or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid, whichever is later, at the rate per annum stated on the face thereof until the principal amount thereof is paid or made available for payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Note authenticated after the Regular Record Date (as defined below) for any period shorter than a full calendar month,Interest Payment Date but before such Interest Payment Date shall bear interest from such Interest Payment Date, unless the date of first authentication of Notes of the same interest rate and maturity (the “Original Issue Date”) is after such Regular Record Date but before such Interest Payment Date in which case such amountNote shall bear interest from such Original Issue Date. Interest on each Note will be computedpayable semiannually in arrears on each September 1 and March 1, beginning on September 1, 2006, and at Maturity (each, an “Interest Payment Date”).

       Payments of interest on the basisNotes (other than interest payable at Maturity) will be made to the holders of such Notes (which, in the case of Global Notes representing book-entry notes, will be a nominee of the actual numberDepositary, as hereinafter defined) as of days elapsed inthe Regular Record Date for each Interest Payment Date commencing with the first Interest Payment Date following the Original Issue Date; provided, however, that if the Original Issue Date of a Note is after a Regular Record Date and before the corresponding Interest Payment Date, interest for the period from and including such period. If any dateOriginal Issue Date for such a Note to but excluding the second Interest Payment Date following the Original Issue Date will be paid on which Distributions are payablesuch second Interest Payment Date to the Holder of such a Note on the QUIPSRegular Record Date immediately preceding such second Interest Payment Date following the Original Issue Date; provided, further, that if any interest payable is not punctually paid, then such interest shall be paid to the Holder of the Notes on a special record date fixed by the Trustee, which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date the Company proposes to pay such interest, and not less than 20 days after receipt by the Trustee of notice of the proposed payment in accordance with the Indenture. Payments of interest on Notes (other than interest payable at Maturity) will be made by wire transfer to the Depositary so long as the Notes are in book-entry form, or by check mailed to the registered holders of such Notes, in the event such Notes are issued in certificated form in the future. See “Book-Entry Notes.”

19


       The principal of the Notes and interest thereon payable at Maturity (whether at Stated Maturity or otherwise) will be paid upon surrender thereof at the office of the Trustee in New York, New York. All payments of principal of and interest on the Notes shall be made in United States dollars. The Companies may change the place of payment of the Notes, may appoint one or more paying agents (including the Companies) and remove any paying agents, all in their discretion. In the event the Company shall serve as its own paying agent with respect to any Notes, it shall, on or before the due date of the principal of or interest, if any, on such Notes, segregate and hold an amount equal to such principal or interest in trust for the Persons entitled thereto. Any money deposited with the Trustee or a paying agent or held by the Company in trust for the payment of the principal of or interest on any Note that remains unclaimed for two years must be paid to the Company or, if held by the Company, be discharged from the trust; provided that the Trustee or the Company may notify the relevant Holder entitled to the unclaimed money in accordance with the Indenture. Thereafter, such Holder shall become an unsecured general creditor of the Company.
       If, with respect to any Note, any Interest Payment Date or Stated Maturity is not a Business Day, payment of the Distributions payableamounts due on such Note on such date will be made either (a) on the next day that is a Business Day (and without any additional Distributions or other payment in respect of any such delay) or (b) if such next Business Day is in the next calendar year, on the immediately preceding Business Day (without any reduction in Distributions in respect of such early payment), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was originally payable (each date on which Distributions are payable in accordance with the foregoing, a “Distribution Date”). A “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday or a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or required by law or executive order to remain closed or a day on which the principal corporate trust office of the Property Trustee (under the Trust Agreement) or the Debenture Trustee (under the Indentures) is closed for business.

So long as no Debenture Event of Default under its Indenture has occurred and is continuing, each of the Companies has the right under its Indenture to elect to defer the payment of interest on its QUIDS at any time for a period (including extensions) not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each Extension Period. However, no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the QUIDS. If there is a deferral, quarterly Distributions on the QUIPS in a corresponding amount will be deferred by the Trust during the Extension Period. Unless all three of the Companies

defer the payment of interest on their QUIDS for the same Extension Period, holders will receive partial Distributions in the corresponding amounts not deferred. Distributions to which holders of the QUIPS are entitled but do not receive will accumulate additional Distributions thereon at the rate per annum of     % thereof, compounded quarterly from the relevant payment date for such Distributions. The term “Distributions” as used herein shall include any such additional Distributions. During any such Extension Period, each of the deferring Companies (and, if such deferring Company is MECO or HELCO, HECO) may not, either directly or indirectly through a subsidiary, (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of its capital stock, (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including other junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of such Company) that rank equally with or junior in interest to the QUIDS on which payment is being deferred or (iii) make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee issued by such Company if such guarantee ranks equally with or junior in interest to the QUIDS on which payment is being deferred (other than (a) dividends or distributions in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, its common stock and exchanges or conversions of common stock of one class for common stock of another class, (b) payments by HECO under the Trust Guarantee (or under any other similar guarantee by HECO with respect to any securities of any of its subsidiaries, provided that the proceeds from the issuance of such securities were used to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued by any of the Companies, including HECO Capital Trust III) and the Subsidiary Guarantees, and (c) purchases of its common stock required to prevent the loss or secure the renewal or reinstatement of any government license or franchise held by it). Prior to the termination of any such Extension Period, the deferring Company may further extend the interest payment period, provided that no Extension Period may exceed 20 consecutive quarters or extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the QUIDS. Upon the termination of any such Extension Period and the payment of all amounts then due on any Interest Payment Date, the deferring Company may elect to begin a new Extension Period. See “Description of QUIDS—Option to Extend Interest Payment Period” and “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Stated Interest and Original Issue Discount.”

None of the Companies has a current intention of exercising its right to defer payments of interest on its QUIDS. Moreover, because of the consequences of exercising such right, including a prohibition on the payment of dividends with respect to a deferring Company’s capital stock (and with respect to HECO’s capital stock if the deferring Company is MECO or HELCO), each of the Companies believes that the likelihood of such exercise is remote.

The revenues of the Trust available for distribution to holders of the QUIPS will be limited to payments under the QUIDS (in which the Trust will invest the proceeds from the issuance and sale of the QUIPS and the Common Securities) and the Subsidiary Guarantees. See “Description of QUIDS.” To the extent the Companies do not make interest payments on the QUIDS and HECO does not make payments under the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Property Trustee will not have sufficient funds available to pay full Distributions on the QUIPS. The payment of Distributions (if and to the extent the Trust has funds legally available for the payment of such Distributions and cash sufficient to make such payments) is guaranteed by HECO on a subordinated basis as set forth below under “Description of Trust Guarantee.”

Distributions on the QUIPS on each Distribution Date will be payable to the holders thereof as they appear on the register of the Trust on the relevant record date, which, as long as the QUIPS remain in book-entry-only form, will be one Business Day prior to such Distribution Date. Subject to any applicable laws and regulations and the provisions of the Trust Agreement, each such payment will be made as described under “—Book-Entry Issuance.” In the event that the QUIPS are not in book-entry-only form, the relevant record date for such QUIPS shall be the date that is 15 days prior to the

relevant Distribution Date, whether or not a Business Day, and payments shall be made as described below under “—Payment and Paying Agency.”

Redemption or Exchange

Mandatory Redemption.    Upon the repayment or redemption, in whole or in part, of any QUIDS, whether at Stated Maturity or upon earlier redemption as provided in any Indenture, the proceeds from such repayment or redemption shall be applied by the Property Trustee to redeem a Like Amount (as defined below) of the QUIPS and the Common Securities, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the “QUIPS Redemption Price,” which is equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS and Common Securities to be redeemed plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of redemption (the “Redemption Date”). See “Description of QUIDS—Redemption.”

Each of the Companies will have the right to redeem its QUIDS on or after March     , 2009, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, subject to the conditions described under “Description of QUIDS—Redemption,” at the “QUIDS Redemption Price,” which is equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on the QUIDS so redeemed to the date fixed for redemption, plus 100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, the Companies, at the direction of HECO, will have the right to redeem the QUIDS at any time, in whole (but not in part), upon the occurrence of a Tax Event or an Investment Company Event and subject to the further conditions described below under “Description of QUIDS—Redemption,” at the QUIDS Redemption Price.

Special Event Redemption or Distribution of QUIDS.    If a Special Event shall occur and be continuing, the Companies, at the direction of HECO, have the right to redeem the QUIDS in whole (but not in part) at the QUIDS Redemption Price, and thereby cause a mandatory redemption of the QUIPS and the Common Securities in whole (but not in part) at the QUIPS Redemption Price, within 90 days following the occurrence of such event.

In addition, subject to obtaining prior approval from the PUC, HECO may at any time, whether or not a Special Event has occurred, upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the holders of the QUIPS, direct the Property Trustee in writing to dissolve the Trust and, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law and the consummation of the exchange of Substituted HECO QUIDS for the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS, cause a Like Amount of Distributable HECO QUIDS to be distributed by the Trust to the holders of the QUIPS and the Common Securities in liquidation of the Trust. Under current United States federal income tax law, although the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS for United States federal income tax purposes, the exchange of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS for the Substituted HECO QUIDS would likely be treated as such a taxable exchange. As a result of such taxable exchange, each holder would recognize gain or loss as described below under “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS.” In addition, the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS could be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS if the Trust is characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the time of dissolution or it there is a change in law or legal interpretation, or upon the occurrence of certain other circumstances. See “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS.”

If HECO does not elect either to redeem the QUIDS or to dissolve the Trust and distribute the Distributable HECO QUIDS in exchange for the QUIPS as described above, the QUIPS will remain outstanding and, in the event a Tax Event has occurred and is continuing, Additional Sums may be payable by the Companies on the QUIDS.

“Additional Sums” means the additional amounts necessary in order that Distributions then due and payable by the Trust on the outstanding QUIPS and Common Securities of the Trust shall not be reduced as a result of any additional taxes, duties and other governmental charges to which the Trust has become subject.

“Investment Company Event” means the receipt by HECO or the Trust of an opinion of counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized federal securities practice, to the effect that, as a result of the occurrence of a change in law or regulation or a change (including a prospective change) in interpretation or application of law or regulation by any legislative body, court, governmental agency or regulatory authority (a “Change in 1940 Act Law”), there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Trust is or will be considered an “investment company” that is required to be registered under the Investment Company Act, which Change in 1940 Act Law becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the QUIPS.

“Like Amount” means (i) with respect to a redemption of the QUIPS and the Common Securities, QUIPS and Common Securities having an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the aggregate principal amount of QUIDS to be contemporaneously repaid or redeemed in accordance with the Indentures and the proceeds of which will be used to pay the QUIPS Redemption Price of such QUIPS and to redeem such Common Securities, and (ii) with respect to a distribution of Distributable HECO QUIDS to holders of QUIPS and Common Securities in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of the Trust, Distributable HECO QUIDS having an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS and the Common Securities of the holders to whom such QUIDS are distributed. “Liquidation preference” means the stated liquidation preference of $25 per QUIPS or $25 per Common Security.

“Tax Event” means the receipt by HECO or the Trust of an opinion of counsel, rendered by a law firm having a recognized federal and state tax and securities practice, to the effect that, as a result of a Tax Action (as defined below), there is more than an insubstantial risk that (i) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to United States federal income tax with respect to income received or accrued on the QUIDS, (ii) interest payable by any of the Companies on its respective QUIDS is not, or within 90 days of the date of such opinion will not be, deductible by such Company, in whole or in part, for United States federal income tax purposes, or (iii) the Trust is, or will be within 90 days of the date of such opinion, subject to more than a de minimis amount of other taxes, duties or other governmental charges. A “Tax Action” includes (a) any amendment to or change (including any announced prospective change) in the laws (or any regulations thereunder) of the United States, or of any State or the District of Columbia, or of any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, (b) any judicial decision interpreting, applying or clarifying such laws or regulations or (c) any administrative pronouncement or action that represents an official position (including a clarification of an official position) of the governmental authority or regulatory body making such administrative pronouncement or taking such action, in each such case that occurs or becomes effective on or after the date of original issuance of the QUIPS.

After the liquidation date fixed for any distribution of Distributable HECO QUIDS for QUIPS, (i) the QUIPS will no longer be deemed to be outstanding, (ii) The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee, as the record holder of the QUIPS, will receive a registered global certificate or certificates representing such QUIDS to be delivered upon such distribution and (iii) any certificates representing the QUIPS not held by DTC or its nominee will be deemed to represent such QUIDS having a principal amount equal to the liquidation preference of such QUIPS, and bearing accrued and unpaid interest in an amount equal to the accrued and unpaid Distributions on the QUIPS, until such certificates are presented to the Administrative Trustees or their agent for transfer or reissuance.

There can be no assurance as to the market prices for the QUIPS or the Distributable HECO QUIDS that may be distributed in exchange for QUIPS if a dissolution and liquidation of the Trust

occurs. Accordingly, the QUIPS that an investor may purchase, or the Distributable HECO QUIDS that the holders of the QUIPS may receive on dissolution and liquidation of the Trust, may trade at a discount to the price that the investor paid to purchase the QUIPS.

Redemption Procedures

QUIPS redeemed on each Redemption Date shall be redeemed at the QUIPS Redemption Price with the applicable proceeds from the contemporaneous repayment or redemption of the QUIDS. Redemptions of the QUIPS shall be made and the QUIPS Redemption Price shall be payable on each Redemption Date only to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available for the payment thereof. See also “—Subordination of Common Securities.”

If the Trust, by action of the Property Trustee, gives a notice of redemption in respect of any of the QUIPS, then, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Redemption Date, and provided that the necessary funds are available, the Property Trustee will deposit irrevocably with DTC funds sufficient to pay the QUIPS Redemption Price and will give DTC irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the QUIPS Redemption Price to the holders of such QUIPS. See “—Book-Entry Issuance.” If such QUIPS are not in book-entry-only form, the Trust, provided that the necessary funds are available, will irrevocably deposit with the paying agent for the QUIPS funds sufficient to pay the QUIPS Redemption Price and will give such paying agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the QUIPS Redemption Price to the holders thereof upon surrender of their certificates evidencing such QUIPS. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributions payable on or prior to the Redemption Date for any QUIPS called for redemption shall be payable to the holders of such QUIPS as they appear on the Securities Register for the QUIPS on the relevant record dates for the related Distribution Dates. If notice of redemption shall have been given and funds irrevocably deposited as required, then upon the date of such deposit, all rights of the holders of such QUIPS so called for redemption will cease, except the right of the holders of such QUIPS to receive the QUIPS Redemption Price, but without interest on such QUIPS Redemption Price, and such QUIPS will cease to be outstanding. In the event that any Redemption Date of QUIPS is not a Business Day, then payment of the QUIPS Redemption Price payable on such Redemption Date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day, (and without any additional Distributions or other payment in respect of any such delay), except that,and, if such nextpayment is made or duly provided for on such Business Day, is in the next succeeding calendar year, such payment will be made on the immediately preceding Business Day (without any reduction in Distributions in respect of such early payment), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the Redemption Date. In the event that payment of the QUIPS Redemption Price in respect of QUIPS called for redemption is improperly withheld or refused and not paid either by the Trust or by HECO pursuant to the Trust Guarantee, Distributionsno interest shall accrue on such QUIPS will continueamounts for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be, to accumulate,such Business Day. To the extent lawful, overdue installments of principal and interest shall bear interest at the then applicablea rate from the Redemptionof      % per annum.

       The “Regular Record Date” with respect to any Interest Payment Date originally established by the Trust for such QUIPS to the date such QUIPS Redemption Price is actually paid, in which case the actual payment date will be the date fixed for redemption for purposes of calculating the QUIPS Redemption Price.

Any notice of redemption of QUIPS may state that such redemption shall be conditional upon the receipt by the Property Trustee not later than the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the Redemption Date of moneys sufficient to pay in full the QUIPS Redemption Price of such QUIPS. If the redemption notice states that it is conditional and such moneys shall not be so received by the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the Redemption Date, such notice of redemption shall be of no force and effect, the Property Trustee shall not redeem such QUIPS and the Property Trustee shall give notice to the registered owners of the QUIPS, in the manner in which the notice of redemption was given, that such moneys were not so received and that such redemption did not occur. In such event, the Property Trustee shall promptly return QUIPS which it has received to the registered owners thereof.

Subject to applicable laws (including, without limitation, Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other applicable United States federal securities laws), HECO or its subsidiaries may at any time and from time to time purchase outstanding QUIPS by tender, in the open market or by private agreement.

Payment of the QUIPS Redemption Price and any distribution of Distributable HECO QUIDS to holders of QUIPS shall be made to the applicable record holders thereof as they appear on the register for such QUIPS on the relevant record date, which, as long as the QUIPS remain in book-entry form, shall be one Business Day prior to the relevant Redemption Date or liquidation date, as applicable; provided, however, that in the event that the QUIPS are not in book-entry form, the relevant record date for such QUIPS shall be the datefifteenth day (whether or not a Business Day) that is 15 daysnext preceding an Interest Payment Date.

Guarantees by HECO
       HECO will fully and unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the HELCO Notes and the MECO Notes, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity, by declaration of acceleration or otherwise.
Optional Redemption; No Sinking Fund
       Each of the Companies, at its option, may redeem prior to the Redemption DateStated Maturity its Notes, in whole or liquidation date, as applicable.

If less than all of the QUIPS and the Common Securities issued by the Trust are to be redeemedin part, on a Redemption Date, then the aggregate liquidation preference of such QUIPS and the Common Securities to be redeemed shall be allocated among the QUIPS and the Common Securitiespro rata based on their respective aggregate liquidation preferences. If the QUIPS continue to be in book-entry form at the time of such redemption, the QUIPS to be redeemed will be redeemed in accordance with the procedures of DTC. If at such time the QUIPS are not in book-entry form, the particular QUIPS to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Property Trustee from the outstanding QUIPS not previously called for redemption, by lot or by such method as the Property Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to $25 or an integral multiple of $25 in excess thereof) of the liquidation preference of QUIPS of a denomination larger than $25. The Trust may not redeem fewer than all of the outstanding QUIPS unless all accumulated and unpaid Distributions have been paid on all QUIPS for all quarterly distribution periods terminatingany Business Day on or prior to the Redemption Date. The Property Trustee shall promptly notify the Trust registrar in writing of the QUIPS selected for redemption and, in the case of any QUIPS selected for partial redemption, the liquidation preference thereof to be redeemed. For all purposes of the Trust Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of QUIPS shall relate, in the case of any QUIPS redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the aggregate liquidation preference of QUIPS which has been or is to be redeemed.

Subordination of Common Securities

Payment of Distributions on, and theafter                     , 20     , at a redemption price of           the QUIPS and the Common Securities, as applicable, shall be made among the QUIPS and the Common Securities pro rata based on the respective aggregate liquidation preference of such QUIPS and the Common Securities. However, if on any Distribution Date or Redemption Date a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, no payment of any Distribution on, or redemption price of, any of the Common Securities, and no other payment on account of the redemption, liquidation or other acquisition of the Common Securities, shall be made unless payment in full in cash of all accumulated and unpaid Distributions on all of the outstanding QUIPS for all distribution periods terminating on or prior thereto, or in the case of payment of the QUIPS Redemption Price the full amount of the QUIPS Redemption Price on all of the outstanding QUIPS then being redeemed, shall have been made or provided for, and all funds immediately available to the Property Trustee shall first be applied to the payment in full in cash of all Distributions on, or QUIPS Redemption Price of, the QUIPS then due and payable.

In the case of any Event of Default under the Trust Agreement resulting from a Debenture Event of Default, HECO, as holder of the Common Securities, will be deemed to have waived any right to act with respect to any such Event of Default until the effect of such Event of Default has been cured, waived or otherwise eliminated. Until any such Event of Default has been so cured, waived or

otherwise eliminated, the Property Trustee shall act solely for the benefit of the holders of the QUIPS and not for the benefit of HECO, as holder of the Common Securities, and only the holders of the QUIPS will have the right to direct the Property Trustee to act for their benefit.

Liquidation Value; Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution

The amount payable on the QUIPS in the event of any liquidation of the Trust is $25 per QUIPS plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions, which under certain circumstances may be in the form of a distribution of a Like Amount of Distributable HECO QUIDS.

Pursuant to the Trust Agreement, the Trust shall automatically dissolve upon expiration of its term and shall dissolve on the first to occur of: (i) certain events of bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of HECO; (ii) upon 30 days’ prior written notice to the holders of the QUIPS, the written direction of HECO to the Property Trustee to dissolve the Trust and cause the distribution of a Like Amount of Distributable HECO QUIDS to the holders of the QUIPS and the Common Securities (which direction is wholly optional and within the discretion of HECO) (see “—Redemption or Exchange—Special Event Redemption or Distribution of QUIDS”); (iii) the redemption of all of the QUIPS and the Common Securities as described under “—Redemption or Exchange;” and (iv) the entry by a court of competent jurisdiction of an order for the dissolution of the Trust.

If an early dissolution occurs as described in clause (i), (ii) or (iv) above, the Trust shall be liquidated by the Trustees as expeditiously as the Trustees determine to be possible by distributing, subject to obtaining prior approval from the PUC and after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, to the holders of the QUIPS and the Common Securities a Like Amount of Distributable HECO QUIDS, unless such distribution is determined by the Property Trustee not to be practical, in which event such holders will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to holders, after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, an amount equal to, in the case of holders of QUIPS, the liquidation preference thereof plus accumulated and unpaid Distributions thereon to the date of payment (such amount being the “Liquidation Distribution”). If such Liquidation Distribution can be paid only in part because the Trust has insufficient assets available to pay in full the aggregate Liquidation Distribution, then the amounts payable directly by the Trust on the QUIPS shall be paid pro rata to the holders thereof based on their respective liquidation preferences. HECO, as holder of the Common Securities, will be entitled to receive distributions upon any such liquidation pro rata with the holders of the QUIPS, based on their respective aggregate liquidation preferences, except that if a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the QUIPS shall have a priority over the Common Securities in the right to receive such Liquidation Distributions and no Liquidation Distribution will be paid to the holders of the Common Securities unless and until receipt by all holders of the QUIPS of the entire Liquidation Distribution payable in respect thereof. See “—Subordination of Common Securities.”

Events of Default; Notice

Any one of the following events constitutes an “Event of Default” under the Trust Agreement (an “Event of Default”) with respect to the QUIPS (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body):

(i) the occurrence of a Debenture Event of Default under any of the Indentures (see “Description of QUIDS—Debenture Events of Default”); or

(ii) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any Distribution when it becomes due and payable, and continuation of such default for a period of 30 days; or

(iii) default by the Property Trustee in the payment of any redemption price of any QUIPS or Common Security when it becomes due and payable; or

(iv) default in the performance, or breach, in any material respect, of any covenant or warranty of the Trustees in the Trust Agreement (other than a covenant or warranty a default in the performance of which or the breach of which is covered by clause (ii) or (iii) above), and continuation of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the defaulting Trustee or Trustees by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the outstanding QUIPS, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” under the Trust Agreement; or

(v) the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Property Trustee and the failure by HECO to appoint a successor Property Trustee within 60 days thereof.

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any Event of Default actually known to the Property Trustee, the Property Trustee shall transmit notice of such Event of Default to the holders of the QUIPS, the Administrative Trustees and HECO, as Depositor, unless such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived. HECO, as Depositor, and the Administrative Trustees are required to file annually with the Property Trustee a certificate as to whether or not they are in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to them under the Trust Agreement.

If a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the QUIPS shall have a preference over the Common Securities upon dissolution of the Trust as described above. See “—Liquidation Value; Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.”

Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of QUIPS

If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, then the holders of QUIPS would rely on the enforcement by the Property Trustee of its rights as a holder of the QUIDS against the respective Companies. If the Property Trustee fails to enforce such rights, a holder of QUIPS may, to the fullest extent permitted by law and subject to the terms of the Trust Agreement and the Indentures, institute a legal proceeding directly against any person (including any of the Companies) to enforce the Property Trustee’s rights with respect to QUIDS having a principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS of such holder without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Property Trustee or any other person. To the extent that any action under the applicable Indenture is entitled to be taken by the holders of at least a specified percentage% of the principal amount of the outstanding QUIDS, holdersNotes being redeemed, together with interest accrued on the Notes being redeemed to the redemption date. Notice of at leasteach such redemption must be given not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the same percentagedate set for redemption.

       None of the liquidation preferenceNotes are entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund or contain provisions for the repayment thereof at the option of the outstanding QUIPS may,Holder.
Book-Entry Notes
       Except as described below, the Notes will be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities (each a “Global Security”) that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York (“DTC”) or such other Depositary as is designated by the Companies (DTC and any other such depositary being hereinafter referred to as the fullest extent permitted by law, also take such action“Depositary”), and registered in the name of the Trust if such action has not been takenDepositary or its nominee. Upon issuance, all book-entry notes issued by one of the Property Trustee. NotwithstandingCompanies and having the foregoing, if a Debenture Event of Default has occurredsame Original Issue Date, Stated Maturity, interest rate and is continuing and such event is attributable to the failure ofInterest Payment Dates will be represented by one or more Global Securities. Book-entry notes will not be exchangeable for notes in certificated form and, except under circumstances described below, will not otherwise be issuable in certificated form.
       So long as the Depositary for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the Companies to pay principal ofsuch Global Security, such Depositary or interest on the related QUIDS on the date such principal or interest is otherwise payable (and, innominee, as the case of such default by eithermay be, will be considered the sole owner or both of MECO and HELCO, the failure of HECO to make such payment under the Subsidiary Guarantees), then a holder of QUIPS may institute a suit (a “Direct Action”) directly against the defaulting Company (and, if the defaulting Company is MECO or HELCO, against HECO as guarantor) for enforcement of payment to such holder of the principalNotes represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the

20


Indentures. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be entitled to have Notes represented by such Global Security registered in their names, will not receive or interestbe entitled to receive physical delivery of Notes in certificated form and will not be listed as the owners or holders thereof on the related QUIDS havingSecurities Register maintained under the Indentures.
       If the Depositary is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary, or if the Depositary is no longer eligible or in good standing to serve in that capacity, and if a principal amount equal tosuccessor depositary is not appointed by the aggregate liquidation preference ofCompanies within 90 days after the QUIPSCompanies receive such notice or become aware of such holder afterineligibility, the respective due date specifiedCompanies will issue individual notes in certificated form in exchange for the QUIDS. In connection with such a Direct Action,Global Security or Global Securities representing the defaulting Company (or HECO, as guarantor) will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of QUIPS under the Trust Agreement to the extent of any payment made by such Company (or by HECO, as guarantor) to such holder of QUIPS in such Direct Action.

Removal of Trustees

Unless a Debenture Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any Trusteecorresponding Notes. The Companies may be removedalso at any time and in their sole discretion determine not to have any Notes represented by the holder of the Common Securities. If a Debenture Event of Default has occurredone or more Global Securities and, is continuing, the Property Trustee and the Delaware Trustee may be removed atin such time by the holders of a majority in liquidation preference of the outstanding QUIPS. In no event, will issue individual definitive Notes in certificated form in exchange for the holders ofGlobal Securities representing the QUIPS have the right to vote to appoint, remove or replace the Administrative Trustees, which voting rights are vested exclusively in HECOcorresponding Notes. In addition, as the holder of the Common Securities. No resignation or removal of a Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee shall be effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Agreement.

Co-Trustees and Separate Property Trustee

Unlesssoon as reasonably practicable after an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, at any time or times, for the purpose of meeting the legal requirements of the Trust Indenture Act or of any jurisdictionCompanies are required to issue individual Notes in which any part of the Trust’s property may at the time be located, HECO, as Depositor, and the Administrative Trustees shall have power to appoint one or more persons approved by the Property Trustee either to act as a co-trustee, jointly with the Property Trustee, of all or any part of the Trust’s property, or to act as separate trustee ofcertificated form. In any such property,instance, an owner of a Note represented by a Global Security will be entitled to physical delivery of individual notes in either case with such powers as may be providedcertificated form equal in the instrumentprincipal amount of appointment,such Note and to vesthave such Notes in such person or personscertificated form registered in such capacity any property, title, right or power deemed necessary or desirable, subject to the provisions of the Trust Agreement. If HECO does not joinits name. Individual Notes in such appointment within 15 days after the receipt by it of a request to docertificated form so or in case a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Property Trustee alone shall have power to make such appointment.

Merger or Consolidation of Trustees

Any entity into which the Property Trustee, the Delaware Trustee or any Administrative Trustee that is not a natural person may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any entity resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Trustee shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of such Trustee, shall be the successor of such Trustee under the Trust Agreement, provided such entity shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under the Trust Agreement, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties to the Trust Agreement.

Merger, Consolidation, Conversion, Amalgamation or Replacement of the Trust

The Trust may not merge with or into, consolidate, convert, amalgamate, or be replaced by, or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any entity, except as described below or as otherwise set forth in the Trust Agreement. The Trust may, at the request of HECO, with the consent of the Administrative Trustees and without the consent of the holders of the QUIPS, merge with or into, consolidate, convert, amalgamate, be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to a trust organized as such under the laws of any State if (i) such successor entity either (a) expressly assumes all of the obligations of the Trust with respect to the QUIPS or (b) substitutes for the QUIPS other securities having substantially the same terms as the QUIPS (the “Successor Securities”) so long as the Successor Securities rank the same as the QUIPS rank with respect to Distributions and payments upon liquidation, redemption and otherwise, (ii) HECO expressly appoints a trustee of such successor entity possessing the same powers and duties as the Property Trustee as the holder of the QUIDS, (iii) the Successor Securities are listed, or any Successor Securitiesissued will be listed upon notification of issuance, on any national securities exchange or other organization on which the QUIPS are then listed, if any, (iv) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance,

transfer or lease does not cause the QUIPS (including any Successor Securities) to be downgraded by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, (v) such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, conversion, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the QUIPS (including any Successor Securities)issued as registered Notes in any material respect, (vi) such successor entity has a purpose substantially similar to that of the Trust, (vii) prior to such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer, or lease, HECO has received an opinion of counsel to the Trust experienced in such matters to the effect that (a) such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of the QUIPS (including any Successor Securities) in any material respect and (b) following such merger, consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease, neither the Trust nor such successor entity will be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act, and (viii) HECO or any permitted successor or assignee owns all of the common securities of such successor entity and guarantees the obligations of such successor entity under the Successor Securities at least to the extent provided by the Trust Guarantee and the Trust Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust shall not, except with the consent of all holders of the QUIPS, consolidate, convert, amalgamate, merge with or into, be replaced by or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any other entity or permit any other entity to consolidate, amalgamate, merge with or into, or replace it, if such consolidation, conversion, amalgamation, merger, replacement, conveyance, transfer or lease would cause the Trust or the successor entity to be classified as other than a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

Voting Rights; Amendment of the Trust Agreement

Except as described below and under “Description of Trust Guarantee—Amendments and Assignment,” and except asdenominations, unless otherwise required by law, the Trust Agreement or the Indentures, the holders of the QUIPS will have no voting rights.

The Trust Agreement may be amended from time to time by HECO and the Administrative Trustees, without the consent of the holders of the QUIPS, (a) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provisions in the Trust Agreement that may be inconsistent with any other provision, or to include any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Trust Agreement that shall not be inconsistent with the other provisions of the Trust Agreement, provided that any such amendment does not adversely affect the interests of any holder of QUIPS or Common Securities, or (b) to modify, eliminate or add to any provisions of the Trust Agreement to such extent as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust at all times that any QUIPS and Common Securities are outstanding, or to ensure that the QUIDS will be treated as indebtedness of the Companies or to ensure that the Trust will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Any such amendment of the Trust Agreement shall become effective when notice thereof is given to the holders of QUIPS and Common Securities.

The Trust Agreement may be amended by the Administrative Trustees and HECO with the consent of holders representing not less than a majority (based upon liquidation preference) of the outstanding QUIPS and Common Securities. Without the consent of each affected holder of QUIPS and Common Securities, however, the Trust Agreement may not be amended to (i) change the amount, timing or currency of any Distribution or Liquidation Distribution on the QUIPS or Common Securities or otherwise adversely affect the amount of any Distribution or Liquidation Distribution required to be made in respect of the QUIPS or Common Securities as of a specified date, (ii) change the redemption provisions of the QUIPS or Common Securities, (iii) restrict the right of a holder of QUIPS and Common Securities to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment contemplated

in clause (i) or (ii) above on or after the related payment date, (iv) modify the purposes of the Trust, (v) authorize or issue any beneficial interest in the Trust other than as contemplated by the Trust Agreement, (vi) change the conditions precedent for HECO to elect to dissolve the Trust and distribute the Distributable HECO QUIDS to holders of QUIPS or (vii) affect the limited liability of any holder of QUIPS. No amendment of the Trust Agreement may be made without receipt by the Trust of an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the Trustees in accordance with such amendment will not affect the Trust’s status as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes or the Trust’s exemption from regulation as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

So long as any QUIDS are held by the Property Trustee, the Trustees shall not (i) direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture Trustee or executing any trust or power conferred on the Property Trustee with respect to the QUIDS, (ii) waive any past default that is waiveable under the applicable Indenture, (iii) exercise any right to rescind or annul a declaration that the principal of the QUIDS shall be due and payable or (iv) consent to any amendment, modification or termination of the applicable Indenture, where such consent shall be required, without, in each case, obtaining the prior written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of the outstanding QUIPS; provided, however, that where such consent under the applicable Indenture would require the consent of each holder of QUIDS issued thereunder affected thereby, no such consent shall be given by the Property Trustee without the prior written consent of each holder of the outstanding QUIPS. The Trustees shall not revoke any action previously authorized or approved by a vote of the holders of the QUIPS, except by a subsequent vote of the holders of the QUIPS. The Property Trustee shall notify all holders of the QUIPS of any notice of default with respect to the QUIDS. In addition to obtaining the consent of the holders of the QUIPS, prior to taking any of the foregoing actions, the Trustees shall, at the expense of HECO, obtain an opinion of counsel experienced in such matters to the effect that the Trust will not be classified as an association taxable as a corporation or partnership for United States federal income tax purposes on account of such action and will continue to be classified as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes.

Any required approval of holders of QUIPS may be given at a meeting of holders of QUIPS convened for such purpose or pursuant to written consent. The Property Trustee will cause a notice of any meeting at which holders of QUIPS are entitled to vote to be given to each holder of record of QUIPS in the manner set forth in the Trust Agreement.

No vote or consent of the holders of QUIPS will be required for the Trust to redeem and cancel the QUIPS in accordance with the Trust Agreement.

When holders of QUIPS are entitled to vote or consent under any of the circumstances described above, all of the QUIPS that are owned by the Companies, the Trusteesof $1,000 or any affiliate of the Companies or any Trustee shall, for purposes of such vote or consent, be treated as if they were not outstanding.

Payment and Paying Agency

If the QUIPS are not held by DTC or its nominee, payments in respect of the QUIPS shall be made by check mailed by the paying agent (the “Paying Agent”) to the address of the holder entitled thereto as such address shall appear on the register maintained by the Property Trustee. The initial Paying Agent shall be the Property Trustee and the Property Trustee may choose any co-paying agent which is acceptable to the Administrative Trustees and HECO. In the event that the Property Trustee shall no longer be the Paying Agent, the Administrative Trustees shall appoint a successorlarger amount that is acceptable to the Property Trustee and HECO (which shall be a bank or trust company having a combined capital and

surplusan integral multiple of at least $50,000,000) to act as Paying Agent.$1,000 thereof.

       The Paying Agent shall be permitted to resign as Paying Agent upon 30 days’ written notice to the Administrative Trustees and HECO and, if the Paying Agent is not then the Property Trustee, to the Property Trustee, provided that such resignation with respect to the sole Paying Agent shall not become effective until the appointment of a successor.

Book-Entry Issuance

DTC will act as securities depository for all of the QUIPS. The QUIPS will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s nominee). One or more fully registered global certificates will be issued, representing in the aggregate the total number of the QUIPS, and will be deposited with DTC or its custodian.

DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants (“Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations andfollowing describes certain other organizations (“Direct Participants”). DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC, in turn, is owned by a number of Direct Participants of DTC and members of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, Government Securities Clearing Corporation, MBS Clearing Corporation, and Emerging Markets Clearing Corporation (each of which is also a subsidiary of DTCC), as well as by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain custodial relationships with Direct Participants, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found athttp://www.dtcc.com.

Purchases of QUIPS under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the QUIPS on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each QUIPS (“Beneficial Owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participants through which the Beneficial Owners purchased QUIPS. Transfers of ownership interests in the QUIPS are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in QUIPS, except in the event that useaspects of the book-entry system for the QUIPS is discontinued. The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global certificate representing the QUIPS.system:

       1.     DTC will act as securities depositary for the Global Securities. The Global Securities will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee). One or more fully-registered Global Securities will be issued for each issue of the Notes having the same Original Issue Date and terms, representing in the aggregate the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC or a custodian.
       2.     DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve Board, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds securities that its participants (“Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in Participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations (“Direct Participants”). DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC, in turn, is owned by a number of Direct Participants of DTC and members of the National Securities Clearing Corporation, Government Securities Clearing Corporation, MBS Clearing Corporation, and Emerging Markets Clearing Corporation (each of which is also a subsidiary of DTCC), as well as by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain custodial relationships with Direct Participants, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). The rules applicable to DTC and its Participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com.
       3.     Purchases of Notes under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Notes on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Note (“Beneficial Owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the

21

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all QUIPS deposited by Direct Participants with DTC (or its custodian) are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the QUIPS with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the QUIPS. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such QUIPS are credited,


which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners, and the voting rights of Direct Participants, Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners, will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of the QUIPS. If less than all of the QUIPS are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant to be redeemed in accordance with its procedures.

Although voting with respect to the QUIPS is limited to the holders of record of the QUIPS, in those instances in which a vote is required, neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote with respect to QUIPS. Under its usual procedures, DTC would mail an omnibus proxy (the “Omnibus Proxy”) to the Property Trustee as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts such QUIPS are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

Distribution payments on the QUIPS will be made by the Property Trustee to Cede & Co. or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts on the relevant payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC (nor its nominee), the Property Trustee, the Trust or the Companies, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of Distributions to DTC is the responsibility of the Property Trustee, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursements of such payments to the Beneficial Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the QUIPS at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Property Trustee and HECO. In the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, definitive QUIPS certificates representing such QUIPS are required to be printed and delivered. HECO, at its option, may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depository). After a Debenture Event of Default, the holders of a majority in liquidation preference of QUIPS may determine to discontinue the system of book-entry transfers through DTC. In either such event, definitive certificates representing the QUIPS will be printed and delivered.

Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant that purchased the Notes. Transfers of ownership interests in the Notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Notes is discontinued. The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global certificate representing the Notes.
       4.     To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Global Securities deposited by Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of Global Securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership of the Notes. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Notes. DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Notes are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
       5.     Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners, and the voting rights of Direct Participants, Indirect Participants and Beneficial Owners, will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co. as the registered holder of the Notes. If less than all of the Notes are being redeemed, DTC will determine the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant to be redeemed in accordance with its procedures.
       6.     Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the Notes. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to the company involved as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the Notes are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
       7.     Principal and interest payments on the Notes will be made to Cede & Co. or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts on the date on which interest is payable in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as in the case of securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name”, and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC (nor its nominee), the Trustee or the Companies, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal and interest to DTC is the responsibility of the Trustee, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the responsibility of DTC and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

The Companies, the Trust and the underwriters will have no responsibilities or obligations to any Participant or to any Beneficial Owner with respect to (i) the accuracy of any records maintained by DTC, its nominee or any Participant, (ii) the payment by DTC or any Participant of any amount with respect to the QUIPS,Notes, (iii) any notice which is permitted or required to be given to Participants or Beneficial Owners or (iv) any consent given or other action taken by DTC or its nominee as registered owner of the QUIPS.Notes.

22


The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources (including DTC) that the Trust, the Companies and the underwriters believe to be accurate,reliable, but the Trust, the Companies and the underwriters assume no responsibility for the accuracy thereof. Neither the Trust nor
       The underwriters are Direct Participants of DTC.
       None of the Companies, hasthe Trustee, the Underwriters or any agent for payment or registration of transfer or exchange of any Global Security will have any responsibility or liability for the performance by DTC or its Participants of their respective obligations as described herein or under the rules and procedures governing their respective operations.

Registraroperations or for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in such Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial interests.

Transfer, Exchange and Transfer Agent

Replacement of Notes

The Propertyfollowing description concerning transfer, exchange and replacement of Notes will apply in the event use of the book-entry system is discontinued and Notes are delivered in certificated form to the beneficial owners thereof.
       The transfer of Notes may be registered, and Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of authorized denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, through the corporate trust office of the Trustee will act asin New York, New York. Each of the Companies may from time to time change the place for registration of transfer of its Notes, may appoint one or more additional security registrars or transfer agents (including the Companies) and may remove any security registrar andor transfer agent, for the QUIPS.

Transfers of QUIPSall in its discretion. No service charge will be registered upon payment bymade for any transfer or exchange of the transfereeNotes, but the person requesting registration of such transfer or exchange may be required to pay a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charges thatcharge payable in connection therewith.

       The transfer of any Note may be imposedregistered only upon the books of registry kept by the Trustee and only upon surrender of such Note to the Trustee, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered owner or its duly authorized agent in connection withsuch form as shall be satisfactory to the Trustee and the Company issuing the Note. In the event any transferNote is mutilated and surrendered to the Trustee, or exchange, but without charge byif any Note is lost, stolen, or on behalfdestroyed, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver a new Note of like tenor upon satisfaction of the Trust. The Trust will not be required to register or cause to be registered the transfer of QUIPS after such QUIPS have been called for redemption, during the period from 15 days before mailing of notice of redemption and ending on such notice date, or after the date of liquidation of the Trust.

Information Concerning the Property Trustee

The Property Trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specificallyrequirements set forth in the Trust AgreementIndenture. Among other things, if a Note is destroyed, lost or stolen, as a condition to the issuance of a new Note, the Company and afterthe Trustee must receive evidence to their satisfaction of the ownership of, and of the destruction, loss or theft of, the Note and such Eventsecurity or indemnity as they may reasonably require. The Company may also charge the holder for taxes and other governmental charges related to the issuance of a new Note and any other reasonable expenses connected therewith, including the fees and expenses of the Trustee.

       The manner of transferring ownership interests in the Notes while the Notes are in the book-entry system is described above under “Book-Entry Notes.”
Events of Default
       The following constitute Events of Default must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the Property Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Trust Agreement at the request of any holder of QUIPS unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby. If no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Property Trustee is required to decide between alternative causes of action or construe ambiguous provisions in the Trust Agreement or is unsure of the application of any provision of the Trust Agreement, and the matter is not one on which holders of QUIPS are entitled under the Trust Agreement to vote, then the Property Trustee shall take such action as is directed by HECO and, if not so directed, shall take such action as it deems advisable and in the best interests of the holders of the QUIPS and the Common Securities and will have no liability except for its own negligence or willful misconduct.

Miscellaneous

The Administrative Trustees and HECO, as Depositor, are authorized and directed to conduct the affairs of and to operate the Trust in such a way that it will not be deemed to be an “investment company” required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or be classified as an association taxable as a corporation, a partnership or other than as a grantor trust for United States federal income tax purposes, and so that the QUIDS will be treated as indebtedness of the respective Companies for United States federal income tax purposes. In this connection, each of the Companies and the Administrative Trustees are authorized to take any action, not inconsistent with applicable law, the certificate of trust of the Trust or the Trust Agreement, that the Companies (or any of them) and the Administrative Trustees determine in their discretion to be necessary or desirable for such purposes. HECO and the Trustees may amend the Trust Agreement, without the consent of the holders of the QUIPS and even if such amendment would adversely affect the interests of such holders, as shall be necessary to ensure that the Trust will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a grantor trust and will not be required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and to ensure that the QUIDS will be treated as indebtedness of the Companies. See “—Voting Rights; Amendment of the Trust Agreement.”

Holders of the QUIPS have no preemptive or similar rights to subscribe for the beneficial or equity interests of the Trust or of any of the Companies.

The Trust may not borrow money or issue debt or mortgage or pledge any of its assets.

DESCRIPTION OF QUIDS

The QUIDSIndenture of each of the Companies arewith respect to be issued under its Junior Indenture as supplementedeach series of Notes from time to time (as so supplemented, the “HECO Indenture,” the “MECO Indenture” and the “HELCO Indenture,” and, collectively, the “Indentures”), between each such Company and The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee. Except in instances where certain elections must be made by all Companies at the direction of HECO under all of the Indentures, and except for the provisions providing for the exchange of Substituted HECO QUIDS for the MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS and as otherwise described below, the provisions of the Indentures are substantially similar. The following is a summary of certain of the terms and provisions of the QUIDS and the Indentures. This summary is not a complete description of all the terms and provisions of the QUIDS and the Indentures. For more information, we refer you to the forms of Indentures, which have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term QUIDS includes the Substituted HECO QUIDS.outstanding thereunder:

       (a) failure to pay any interest on any Indenture Security of such series (either by such Company or, with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture, by HECO under its guarantee) within 30 days after the same becomes due and payable;
       (b) failure to pay any principal of or premium, if any, on any Indenture Security of such series (either by such Company or, with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture, by HECO under its guarantee) within three Business Days after the same becomes due and payable;

23

General


Concurrently with the issuance of the QUIPS, the Trust will purchase the QUIDS with the proceeds from the sale of the QUIPS and the Common Securities. The QUIDS will bear interest at the annual rate of     % of the principal amount thereof from the date of original issuance, payable quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (each,

       (c) failure to perform or breach of any covenant or warranty of the Company in its respective Indenture (other than a default in or breach of a covenant or warranty of the Company which is dealt with elsewhere in the “Event of Default” section of its Indenture or which was expressly included in its Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Indenture Securities other than the Notes), for 60 days after written notice to the Company by the Trustee, or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the Indenture Securities of such series outstanding under the Indenture as provided in the Indenture, unless the failure to perform or breach is not reasonably susceptible of being cured or corrected within such60-day period, in which case such failure or breach shall not constitute an Event of Default if the Company institutes corrective action within such60-day period and diligently pursues it to completion within 150 days of such notice;
       (d) certain events of or related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; or
       (e) any other Event of Default specified with respect to Indenture Securities of such series.
Remedies
       If an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing March 31, 2004, to the person in whose name each of the QUIDS is registered, subject to certain exceptions, at the close of business on the Business Day before such Interest Payment Date, provided that if the QUIDS are issued in certificated form and not held by the Trust, the record date for payment of interest will be the date (whether or not a Business Day) that is 15 days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “Regular Record Date”). It is anticipated that, until the liquidation, if any, of the Trust, the QUIDS will be held in the name of the Property Trustee in trust for the benefit of the holders of the QUIPS. The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, except for any period shorter than a calendar month, in which case such amount will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed. If any date on which interest is payable on the QUIDS is not a Business Day, payment of the interest payable on such date will be made either (a) on the next day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any such delay), or (b) if such next Business Day is in the next calendar year, on the immediately preceding Business Day (without any reduction of interest or other payments in respect of such early payment), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date such payment was originally payable. Accrued interest that is not paid on the applicable Interest Payment Date will bear additional interest on the amount thereof (to the extent permitted by law) at the rate per annum of     % thereof, compounded quarterly. The term “interest” as used herein shall include quarterly interest payments, interest on quarterly interest payments not paid on the applicable Interest Payment Date and Additional Sums, as applicable.

The QUIDS will be issued by each of the Companies under the applicable Indenture. The QUIDS will mature on March     , 2034, which maturity may be shortened or extended at any time at the election of HECO (which election shall apply to the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS, as well as the HECO QUIDS and, if issued, all of the Substituted HECO QUIDS) for one or more periods, but in no event to a date earlier than March     , 2009 or to a date later than March     , 2053, provided that at the time such election is made and at the time of any such shortening or extension (i) none of the Companies is in bankruptcy, otherwise insolvent or in liquidation, (ii) none of the Companies is in default in the payment of any interest or principal on the QUIDS, (iii) the Trust is not in arrears on payments of Distributions on the QUIPS and no deferred Distributions are accumulated and (iv) the QUIPS, or if the Distributable HECO QUIDS have been distributed to the holders of the QUIPS, the

Distributable HECO QUIDS, are rated not less than BBB- by Standard & Poor’s or Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or the equivalent by any other nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

The QUIDS of each Company will be unsecured and will be junior to all Senior Indebtedness of the respective issuing Company and will rank equally with any other series of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures issued by that Company, including (until their respective defeasance or redemption) the two series of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures, each in an aggregate principal amount of $50 million, issued by the Companies in 1997 and 1998. The Companies will use the proceeds of this offering to cause the redemption of the series of such debentures issued in 1997 as described under “Use of Proceeds.” Since HECO receives dividends and interest payments from MECO and HELCO, and since certain of the operating assets of the Companies are owned by MECO and HELCO, the HECO QUIDS will also be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of MECO and HELCO. The Indentures do not limit the incurrence or issuance of other secured or unsecured debt of the applicable Company, whether thereunder or under any existing or other indenture that such Company may enter into in the future or otherwise. See “—Subordination.”

Additional Sums

If the Trust is required to pay any additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges, each of the Companies will pay as Additional Sums on its respective QUIDS its proportionate share of such amounts as shall be required so that the Distributions payable by the Trust shall not be reduced as a result of any such additional taxes, duties or other governmental charges.

Denominations, Registration and Transfer

The QUIDS will be issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $25 and any integral multiple thereof. QUIDS will be exchangeable for other QUIDS issued by the same Company, of any authorized denominations, of a like aggregate principal amount, having the same date of original issuance and Stated Maturity and bearing the same interest rate.

QUIDS may be presented for exchange as provided above, and may be presented for registration of transfer (with the form of transfer endorsed thereon, or a satisfactory written instrument of transfer, duly executed), at the office of the appropriate securities registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by the respective Companies for such purpose, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the applicable Indenture. Each of the Companies will appoint the Debenture Trustee as the initial securities registrar and transfer agent under the applicable Indenture. Each of the Companies may at any time rescind the designation of any such securities registrar or transfer agent or approve a change in the location through which any such securities registrar or transfer agent acts, provided that such Company maintains a transfer agent in each place of payment for such QUIDS. Each of the Companies may at any time designate additional transfer agents with respect to its respective QUIDS.

In the event of any redemption, neither any of the Companies nor the securities registrar shall be required to (i) issue, register the transfer of or exchange the respective QUIDS of such Company during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of mailing of notice of redemption of any QUIDS and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption or (ii) transfer or exchange any QUIDS so selected for redemption, except, in the case of any QUIDS being redeemed in part, any portion thereof not to be redeemed.

Payment and Paying Agents

During the period that QUIDS are not held by a depository or the Trust, payment of principal of and any interest on QUIDS at Stated Maturity or earlier redemption will be made at the office of the

Debenture Trustee in The City of New York, or at the office of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents as the Companies may designate from time to time, upon surrender of the QUIDS. During such period, at the option of the Companies, payment of any interest other than at Stated Maturity or earlier redemption shall be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the securities register or (ii) by transfer to an account maintained by the person entitled thereto as specified in the securities register, provided that proper transfer instructions have been received by the Regular Record Date; provided, however, that such payment, at the written request of a holder of at least $10,000,000 aggregate principal amount of QUIDS, will be payable by wire transfer in immediately available funds pursuant to the terms of the Indentures. Payment of any such interest on QUIDS will be made to the person in whose name such QUIDS is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, except in the case of defaulted interest. The Companies may at any time designate additional Paying Agents or rescind the designation of any Paying Agent; however, the Companies will at all times be required to maintain a Paying Agent in each place of payment for the QUIDS.

Any moneys deposited with the Debenture Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by HECO in trust, for the payment of the principal of or interest on any QUIDS and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal or interest has become due and payable shall, at the request of HECO, be repaid to HECO and the holder of such QUIDS shall thereafter look, as a general unsecured creditor, only to HECO for payment thereof and all liability of the Debenture Trustee or any Paying Agent with respect to such moneys shall thereupon cease.

Redemption

The QUIDS are redeemable prior to maturity (i) at the option of each of the respective Companies on or after March     , 2009, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, at the QUIDS Redemption Price or (ii) at the option of HECO on behalf of the Companies at any time in whole (but not in part), upon the occurrence and continuation of a Special Event, at the QUIDS Redemption Price. QUIDS will not be subject to any sinking fund. QUIDS in denominations larger than $25 may be redeemed in part but only in integral multiples of $25.

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each holder of QUIDS to be redeemed at its registered address. Any notice of redemption of QUIDS may state that such redemption shall be conditional upon the receipt by the Debenture Trustee not later than the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the Redemption Date of moneys sufficient to pay in full the QUIDS Redemption Price of such QUIDS. If the redemption notice states that it is conditional and such moneys shall not be so received by the close of business on the Business Day next preceding the Redemption Date, such notice of redemption shall be of no force and effect, such QUIDS shall not be redeemed and the Debenture Trustee shall give notice to the registered owners of the QUIDS, in the manner in which the notice of redemption was given, that such moneys were not so received and that such redemption did not occur. In such event, the Debenture Trustee shall promptly return QUIDS which it has received to the registered owners thereof. Unless there is a default in payment of the QUIDS Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest ceases to accrue on such QUIDS or portions thereof called for redemption.

Option to Extend Interest Payment Period

So long as no Event of Default under its Indenture has occurred and is continuing, each Company has the right under the applicable Indenture to defer the payment of interest at any time or from time to time for a period (including any extensions thereof) not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each Extension Period, provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of the QUIDS. At the end of such Extension Period, the deferring Company must pay all interest then

accrued and unpaid (together with interest thereon at the annual rate of     %, compounded quarterly, to the extent permitted by applicable law). During an Extension Period, interest will continue to accrue and beneficial owners of QUIDS (or beneficial owners of QUIPS) will be required to accrue interest income for United States federal income tax purposes. See “Description of QUIPS—Distributions” and “Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences—Stated Interest and Original Issue Discount.”

During an Extension Period, each deferring Company (and, if such deferring Company is MECO or HELCO, HECO) will not be permitted, either directly or indirectly through a subsidiary, subject to certain exceptions, to declare or pay any cash distributions with respect to its capital stock or debt securities that rank equally with or junior to the QUIDS so deferred, as described under “—Certain Covenants.”

Certain Covenants

Each of the Companies (and, in the case of clause (C) below, if such Company is MECO or HELCO, HECO) will covenant that it will not, either directly or indirectly through a subsidiary, (i) declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of such Company’s capital stock or (ii) make any payment of principal, interest or premium, if any, on or repay, repurchase or redeem any debt securities (including other junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of such Company) that rank equally with or junior in interest to its QUIDS or (iii) make any guarantee payments with respect to any guarantee issued by such Company if such guarantee ranks equally with or junior in interest to its QUIDS (other than (a) dividends or distributions in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, its common stock and exchanges or conversions of common stock of one class for common stock of another class, (b) payments by HECO under the Trust Guarantee (or under any other guarantee by HECO with respect to any securities of its subsidiaries, provided that the proceeds from the issuance of such securities were applied to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures of HECO or any such subsidiary) and the Subsidiary Guarantees and (c) purchases of its common stock required to prevent the loss or secure the renewal or reinstatement of any government license or franchise held by HECO or any of its subsidiaries) if at such time (A) there shall have occurred any event of which such Company has actual knowledge that (1) with the giving of notice or the lapse of time, or both, would constitute a Debenture Event of Default with respect to its QUIDSany series of Indenture Securities occurs and (2)is continuing, then either the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 33% in respectprincipal amount of whichthe outstanding Indenture Securities of such Company shall not have taken reasonable steps to cure, (B) HECO shallseries may declare the principal amount (or if the Indenture Securities of such series are discount notes or similar Indenture Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be in defaultspecified with respect to any paymentsuch series) of all of the Indenture Securities of such series to be due underand payable immediately, provided, however, that upon the Trust Guarantee, (C) such Company shall have given notice of its electionoccurrence of an Extension Period asevent of or related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company which constitutes an Event of Default, all the outstanding Indenture Securities shall become immediately due and payable without any action by the Trustee or any Holder, and provided, in the applicable Indenturefurther, that if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to its QUIDS and shall not have rescinded such notice, or such Extension Period, or any extension thereof, shall be continuing or (D) inmore than one series of Indenture Securities, the case of HECO, there shall have occurred a default under either Subsidiary Guarantee.

HECO will also covenant (i) to maintain directly or indirectly 100% ownership of the Common Securities of the Trust, provided that certain successors which are permitted pursuant to such Indenture may succeed to HECO’s ownership of the Common Securities, (ii) not to voluntarily dissolve, wind-up or liquidate the Trust, except (a) in connection with a distribution of Distributable HECO QUIDS to the holders of the QUIPS in liquidation of the Trust or (b) in connection with certain mergers, consolidations or amalgamations permitted by the Trust Agreement, and (iii) to use its reasonable efforts, consistent with the terms and provisions of the Trust Agreement, to cause the Trust to remain classified as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes.

Modification of Indenture

From time to time any of the Companies and the Debenture Trustee may, without the consent of the holders of the QUIDS of such Company, amend, waive or supplement the applicable Indenture for

specified purposes, including, among other things, curing ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies and qualifying, or maintaining the qualification of, such Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act (provided that any such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of such QUIDS or the holdersHolders of the QUIPS so long as they remain outstanding). Each Indenture contains provisions permitting the applicable Company and the Debenture Trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majoritynot less than 33% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding QUIDS affected thereby, to modifyIndenture Securities of all such Indenture in a manner affectingseries, considered as one class, may make such declaration of acceleration and not the rights of the holders of such QUIDS; provided that no such modification may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding QUIDS so affected, (i) change the Stated Maturity of QUIDS, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon (except such change or extension as is contemplated thereby) or (ii) reduce the percentage of principal amount of QUIDS, the holders of which are required to consent to any such modification of such Indenture, provided that so long as any of the QUIPS remain outstanding, no such modification may be made that adversely affects the holders of such QUIPS and no terminationHolders of the Indenture may occur, and no waiverSecurities of any Debenture Event of Default or compliance with any covenant under such Indenture may be effective, without the prior consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation preferenceone of such QUIPS unless and untilseries.

       At any time after the principaldeclaration of the QUIDS and all accrued and unpaid interest thereon have been paid in full and certain other conditions are satisfied.

In addition, each of the Companies and the Debenture Trustee may execute, without the consent of any holder of QUIDS, any supplemental indenture for the purpose of creating any new series of junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures.

Debenture Events of Default

Each Indenture provides that any one or more of the following eventsacceleration with respect to the QUIDS issued thereunder thatIndenture Securities of any series has occurredbeen made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as provided in the respective Indenture, the Event or Events of Default giving rise to such declaration of acceleration will, without further act, be deemed to have been waived, and such declaration and its consequences will, without further act, be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled, if

       (a) the Company (or HECO with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture) has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay: (1) all overdue interest on all Indenture Securities of such series; (2) the principal of and premium, if any, on any Indenture Securities of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Indenture Securities; (3) interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Indenture Securities, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful; and (4) all amounts due to the Trustee under the Indenture; and
       (b) any other Event or Events of Default with respect to the Indenture Securities of such series, other than the nonpayment of the principal of the Indenture Securities of such series which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the respective Indenture.

24


       If an Event of Default with respect to the Indenture Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, constitutes a “Debenture Event of Default” with respect to such QUIDS:

(i) failure for 30 days to pay any interest on such series of such QUIDS, when due (subject to the deferral of any due date in the case of an Extension Period); or

(ii) failure to pay any principal of such QUIDS when due whether at Stated Maturity, upon redemption, upon acceleration or otherwise; or

(iii) failure to observe or perform in any material respect certain other covenants contained in such Indenture for 90 days after written notice to the applicable Company from the Debenture Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of such outstanding QUIDS (provided that such 90-day period shall be automatically extended if corrective action is initiated by the applicable Company within such period and is being diligently pursued); or

(iv) certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of HECO and, if such Indenture is the MECO Indenture or the HELCO Indenture, of MECO or HELCO, respectively.

The holdersHolders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of QUIDS issued under anythe outstanding Indenture Securities of such series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Debenture Trustee under such Indenture. The Debenture Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate outstanding principal amountTrustee, with respect to the Indenture Securities of such QUIDS may declare the principal due and payable immediately upon a Debentureseries; provided, however, that if an Event of Default occurs and shouldis continuing with respect to more than one series of Indenture Securities, the Debenture Trustee or such holders of such QUIDS fail to make such declaration, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS shall have such right. If a Debenture Event of Default specified in clause (iv) above occurs, the principal of and interest on the QUIDS shall become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Debenture Trustee or any holder of QUIDS. The holdersHolders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount

of such QUIDS may annul such declaration and waive the default if the default (other than the non-payment of the principal of such QUIDS which has become due solely by such acceleration) has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the Debenture Trustee. However, if (a) the principal of the QUIDS has been declared due and payable by the holders of the QUIPS, no rescission of such acceleration will be effective unless consented to by the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS and (b) the holders of such QUIDS fail to annul such declaration and waive such default, the holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS shall have such right.

The holders of a majority in aggregate outstanding principal amount of the QUIDS issued underoutstanding Indenture Securities of all such series, considered as one class, will have the right to make such direction, and not the Holders of the Indenture Securities of any one of such series; and provided, further, that (a) such direction will not be in conflict with any rule of law or with the respective Indenture and shall not involve the Trustee in a risk of personal liability in circumstances where reasonable indemnity would not, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, be adequate, (b) the Trustee may take any other action it deems proper which is not inconsistent with such direction, and (c) the Trustee shall not be obligated to take any action unduly prejudicial to Holders not joining in such direction. The right of a Holder of any Indenture Security of such series to institute a proceeding with respect to the respective Indenture is subject to certain conditions precedent which may prevent the Holder from instituting a proceeding, but each Holder has an absolute right to receive payment of principal and interest when due and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment. Each Indenture provides that a court may in its discretion require a Holder instituting suit for enforcement of any right or remedy under the holdersIndenture, or against the Trustee, to file an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit and in certain circumstances to assess costs of suit, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against such a Holder, provided, however, that this provision does not apply to suits instituted by one or more Holders holding in aggregate more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series in respect of which such suit is brought or by Holders seeking to enforce payment after Maturity. The respective Indenture provides that the Trustee, within 90 days after the occurrence of any default thereunder with respect to the Indenture Securities of a majority in aggregate liquidation preferenceseries, is required to give the Holders of the QUIPS, may, on behalfIndenture Securities of all holders, waivesuch series notice of any past default under such Indenture,known to it, unless cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of principal of or interest, (unless such default has been cured and a sum sufficient to pay all matured installments of interest and principal due otherwise than by acceleration has been deposited with the Debenture Trustee) or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under suchif any, on any Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of eachSecurities of such outstanding QUIDS. Each ofseries, the Companies is required to file annually withTrustee may withhold such notice if the Debenture Trustee a certificate as to whether or not such Companydetermines in good faith that it is in compliance with all the conditionsinterest of such Holders to do so; and covenants applicable to it under such Indenture.

Inprovided, further, that in the case a Debentureof an Event of Default of the character specified above in clause (c) under “Events of Default,” no such notice shall occur and be continuing as to QUIDS issued under any Indenture, the Property Trustee will have the right to declare the principal of and the interest on such QUIDS, and any other amounts payable under such Indenture, to be due and payable immediately and to enforce its other rights as a creditor with respectgiven to such QUIDS.

Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of QUIPS

until at least 75 days after the occurrence thereof.

If, upon a Debenture Event of Default has occurred and is continuing under any Indenture and such event is attributable to the failure of the respective Company to pay interest or principal on its QUIDS on the date such interest or principal is otherwise payable, a holder of QUIPS may institute a Direct Actiondemand for payment afterby the respective due date specified in such QUIDS. The Indentures may not be amended to remove the foregoing right to bringTrustee following a Direct Action without the prior written consent of the holders of all of the QUIPS. Notwithstanding any payment made to a holder of QUIPS in connection with a Direct Action, the respective Company shall remain obligatedfailure to pay the principal of andor interest, on the QUIDS held byNotes in accordance with the Trust orIndenture, the Property Trustee and shall be subrogated to the rights of the holder of such QUIPSCompany (or HECO with respect to payments on the QUIPSHELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture) shall fail to pay such principal or interest, or if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Trustee may institute a judicial proceeding for collection of the sums due and unpaid. Furthermore, the Trustee has the power to file a proof of claim in the event of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or the like with respect to the extentCompany (or with respect to HECO under its guarantee in the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture).
Covenants: Maintenance of Property, Preservation of Rights; Consolidation or Merger
       Each Company has agreed to cause, and to use reasonable efforts to cause with respect to property owned in common with others, all its properties used or useful in the conduct of its business to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and to cause, and to use reasonable efforts to cause with respect to property owned in common with others, to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as, in the judgment of the Company, may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted, provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the Company from discontinuing, or causing the discontinuance of, the

25


operation and maintenance of any payments made byof its properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business.
       Subject to the provisions described in the next paragraph, each Company has agreed to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and rights (charter and statutory) and franchises necessary or desirable in the conduct of its business; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such holderright or franchise if, in the judgment of the Company, (a) preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company and (b) the loss thereof does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any Direct Action. The holders of QUIPSmaterial respect.
       Each Company has also agreed that it will not be able to exercise directly any other remedy available to the holders of the QUIDS.

The holders of the QUIPS will not be able to exercise directly any remedies other than those set forth in the preceding paragraph available to the holders of the QUIDS unless the Property Trustee or the Debenture Trustee, acting for the benefit of the Property Trustee, fails to do so for 60 days. In such event, the holders of at least 25% in aggregate liquidation preference of the outstanding QUIPS will have the right to institute proceedings.

Consolidation, Merger, Sale of Assets and Other Transactions

Each Indenture provides that the applicable Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other entitycorporation or corporations or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any entity, and no entity shall consolidate with or merge into such Company or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety (either in one

transaction or in a series of transactions) to such Company, unless (i) if such Company consolidates with or merges into another entity, or conveys, transfers or leases its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity,Person or Persons unless (a) the successor entitycorporation or corporations formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person or Persons which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety, is organized and existing under the laws of the United States orof America, any stateState thereof or the District of Columbia, and the successor entity expressly assumes, such Company’s obligationsby supplemental indenture in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest, if any, on all the QUIDS issuedoutstanding Indenture Securities and the performance of all of the covenants of the Company under such Indenture; (ii)its respective Indenture, (b) immediately after giving effect thereto,to such transaction (and treating any indebtedness for borrowed money which becomes an obligation of the Company as a result of such transaction as having been incurred by the Company at the time of such transaction) no Debenture Event of Default, and no event which after notice or lapse of time or both would become a Debenturean Event of Default, shallwill have happenedoccurred and be continuing; (iii) such transaction is permitted undercontinuing, and (c) the Trust Agreement or the Trust Guarantee and does not give rise to any breach or violation of the Trust Agreement or the Trust Guarantee, and (iv) certain other conditions specified in such Indenture are met.

The provisions of the Indentures do not afford holders of the QUIDS protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving the Companies, or in the event of a change in control thereof, that may adversely affect holders of the QUIDS.

Satisfaction and Discharge

Each Indenture provides that when, among other things, all QUIDS of a particular series issued thereunder not previouslyCompany will have delivered to the Debenture Trustee for cancellation (i) have become duean Officers’ Certificate and payablean Opinion of Counsel as provided in its respective Indenture.

       Each Company has agreed to furnish annually to the Trustee a certificate as to whether the Company is in default of any of its obligations under the Indenture and whether an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and, if so, specifying the nature and status of the default or (ii) will become dueEvent of Default.
Modification and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year,Waiver
       Without the consent of any Holders of Indenture Securities, each Company (and HECO with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the applicable Company depositsMECO Indenture) and the Trustee may enter into one or causes to be deposited withmore supplemental indentures for any of the Debenture Trustee trust funds, in trust,following purposes:
       (a) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company (or HECO with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture) and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company in its respective Indenture and the Indenture Securities or the covenants of HECO under its guarantee; or
       (b) to add to the covenants of the Company (or HECO with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture) for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of outstanding Indenture Securities, or any tranche thereof, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Company (or HECO with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture) by its respective Indenture; or
       (c) to add any additional Event of Default with respect to all or any series of outstanding Indenture Securities or any tranche thereof; or
       (d) to change or eliminate any provision of the Indenture or to add any new provision to the Indenture, provided that if such change, elimination or addition will adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Indenture Securities of any series or tranche thereof in any material respect, such change, elimination or addition will become effective with respect to such series

26


or tranche only when there is no Indenture Security of such series or tranche remaining outstanding under the respective Indenture; or
       (e) to provide collateral security for the Indenture Securities of any series or tranche thereof; or
       (f) to establish the form or terms of Indenture Securities of any series or tranche thereof as permitted by the respective Indenture; or
       (g) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment of a successor Trustee under the respective Indenture with respect to the Indenture Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of the respective Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or to facilitate the administration of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one trustee; or
       (h) to add to or change any of the provisions of the respective Indenture to permit or facilitate the issuance of Indenture Securities in bearer, form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to permit or facilitate the utilization of a noncertificated system of registration for any series of Indenture Securities; or
       (i) to change any place where (1) the principal of and interest, if any, on Indenture Securities of any series, or any tranche thereof, shall be payable, (2) any Indenture Securities of any series, or any tranche thereof, may be surrendered for registration of transfer, (3) any Indenture Securities of any series, or any tranche thereof, may be surrendered for exchange and (4) notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Indenture Securities of any series, or any tranche thereof, and the respective Indenture may be served; or
       (j) to cure any ambiguity, to correct any defect or inconsistency or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the respective Indenture, provided such provisions shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Indenture Securities of any series or tranche thereof in any material respect.

       Without limiting the purpose and in an amount ingenerality of the currency or currencies in whichforegoing, if the QUIDS are payable sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such QUIDS not previously delivered to the Debenture Trustee for cancellation, for the principal and interest toTrust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), is amended after the date of the depositrespective Indenture to require changes to the respective Indenture or the incorporation therein of additional provisions or permit changes to, or the elimination of, provisions which, at the date of the Indenture or at any time thereafter, are required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained in the Indenture, the Company (and HECO with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture) and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into one or more supplemental indentures to effect or reflect any such change, incorporation or elimination.
       The consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Indenture Securities of all series then outstanding under the respective Indenture, considered as one class, is required for the purpose of adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of, the Indenture pursuant to an indenture or supplemental indenture in any respect other than as set forth above; provided, however, that if less than all of the series of Indenture Securities outstanding under the Indenture are directly affected by a supplemental indenture, then the consent only of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Indenture Securities of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, will be required, and provided, further, that if the Indenture Securities of any series shall have been issued in more than one tranche and if the proposed supplemental indenture shall directly affect the rights of the Holders of Indenture Securities of one or more, but less than all, of such tranches, then the consent only of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Indenture Securities outstanding of all tranches so directly affected, considered as one class, shall be required; and provided, further, that no such supplemental indenture will, without the consent of the Holder of each Indenture Security outstanding under the Indenture of each such series directly affected thereby, (a) change the Stated Maturity asof the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Indenture Security, or

27


reduce the principal thereof or the rate of interest thereon or the method of calculating such rate or the amount of any installment of interest thereon, or reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of a discount note, or change the coin or currency (or other property) in which that Indenture Security or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or in the case may be, thenof redemption on or after the redemption date), (b) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Indenture Securities outstanding under such series or tranche required to consent to any supplemental indenture or waiver under the Indenture will ceaseor to bereduce the requirements for quorum and voting, (c) modify certain of further effect (except asthe provisions in the respective Indenture relating to supplemental indentures, waivers of certain covenants and waivers of past defaults, or (d) with respect to the HELCO Indenture and the MECO Indenture, change HECO’s payment obligations under its related guarantee.
       A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the respective Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Indenture Securities, or of one or more tranches thereof, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Indenture Securities of such series or tranches with respect to such Company’scovenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under the respective Indenture of the Holders of Indenture Securities of any other series or tranche.
       The Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Indenture Securities outstanding of all series and tranches may waive certain provisions of the Indenture, including the requirements that the Company (i) maintain a payment office or agency in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York and in each Place of Payment, (ii) preserve its corporate existence and all rights and franchises, (iii) maintain and repair all properties useful in the conduct of its business, (iv) deliver a written statement to the Trustee within 120 days after each fiscal year certifying that the Company is not in default of its obligations to pay all other sums due pursuant to suchunder the Indenture and to provide certain officers’ certificatesthat no Event of Default has occurred and opinionsis continuing and (v) not merge with other companies or transfer substantially all its assets. The Holders of counsel),a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Indenture Securities outstanding of each series may waive, on behalf of the Holders of Indenture Securities of such series, any past defaults, except for a default in the payment of principal of or interest on such series.
Satisfaction and such CompanyDischarge
       The Indenture Securities of any series, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, will be deemed to have been paid for purposes of the respective Indenture (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange expressly provided for in the Indenture), and the entire indebtedness of the Company in respect thereof will be deemed to have been satisfied and discharged, such Indenture.

Distribution of QUIDS; Exchange of Substituted HECO QUIDS for MECO and HELCO QUIDS

If HECO elects in its sole discretion to dissolve the Trust, subject to obtaining prior approval from the PUC, Distributable HECO QUIDS may be distributed to the holders of the QUIPS in liquidation of the Trust after satisfaction of liabilities to creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law. If distributed to holders of QUIPS in liquidation, such QUIDS will initially be issued in the form of one or more global securities (“Global QUIDS”) and DTC, or any successor depository for the QUIPS, will act as depository for such QUIDS. It is anticipated that the depository arrangements for such QUIDS would be substantially identical to those in effect for the QUIPS. If such QUIDS are distributed to the holders of QUIPS upon the liquidation of the Trust, HECO will use its best efforts to list the Distributable HECO QUIDS on the New York Stock Exchange or such other stock exchanges, if any, on which the QUIPS are then listed. There can be no assurance as to the market price of any such QUIDS that may be distributed to the holders of QUIPS. For a description of DTC and the terms of the depository arrangements, see “Description of QUIPS—Book-Entry Issuance.”

Global QUIDS shall be exchangeable for QUIDS registered in the names of persons other than DTC or its nominee only if (i) DTC notifies the Companies that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository for such Global QUIDS and no successor depositorythere shall have been appointed,irrevocably deposited with the Trustee, in trust (a) money in an amount which will be sufficient, or if at any time DTC ceases(b) in the case of a deposit made prior to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when DTC is required to be so registered to act as such depository, (ii) HECO in its sole discretion on behalfMaturity of the Companies determines that such Global QUIDS shall be so exchangeable,Notes, Government Obligations (as defined below), which do not contain provisions permitting the redemption or (iii) there shall have occurredother prepayment thereof at the option of the issuer thereof, the principal of and be continuing a Debenture Event of Defaultthe interest on which when due, without any regard to reinvestment thereof, will provide monies which, together with respect to such Global QUIDS. Any Global QUIDS that are exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for

definitive certificates registered in such names as DTC shall direct. It is expected that such instructionsmoney, if any, deposited with or held by the Trustee, will be based upon directions received by DTC from its Participants with respect to ownershipsufficient, or (c) a combination of beneficial interests in such Global QUIDS. In the event that QUIDS are issued in definitive form, such QUIDS(a) and (b) which will be in denominationssufficient, to pay when due the principal of $25 and integral multiples thereof.

In order to effect a distribution of Distributable HECO QUIDS to holders of the QUIPS in liquidation of the Trust, HECO will issue to the Trust Substituted HECO QUIDS in exchange for the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS in the aggregate principal amount of such MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS, and the Substituted HECO QUIDS, along with the HECO QUIDS, will thereupon be distributed to the holders of the QUIPS. Thereafter, the MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS shall be held by HECO as the record holder thereof, and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be released and discharged.

Subordination

In each Indenture, the applicable Company has covenanted and agreed thatpremium, if any, QUIDS issued thereunder will be subordinate and junior to all Senior Indebtedness of such Company to the extent provided in such Indenture. Upon any payment or distribution of assets to creditors upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors, marshaling of assets or any bankruptcy, insolvency, debt restructuring or similar proceedings in connection with any insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding of such Company, the holders of Senior Indebtedness of each such Company will first be entitled to receive payment in full of principal of and interest, if any, on such Senior Indebtedness before the Property Trustee, on behalf of the holders of the QUIPS (or, in the case of Distributable HECO QUIDS distributeddue and to the holders of the QUIPS, such holders), will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the principal of or interest, if any,become due on the QUIDS.

In the event of the acceleration of the maturity of any QUIDS of any of the Companies, the holders of all Senior Indebtedness of such Company outstanding at the time of such acceleration will first be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due thereon (including any amounts due upon acceleration) before the holders of such QUIDS will be entitled to receive or retain any payment in respect of the principal of or interest, if any, on such QUIDS.

No payments on account of principal or interest, if any, in respect of the QUIDS of any of the Companies may be made if there shall have occurred and be continuing a default in any payment with respect to Senior Indebtedness of such Company, or an event of default with respect to any such Senior Indebtedness resulting in the acceleration of the maturity thereof, or if any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default.

“Indebtedness” means with respect to any person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such person and whether or not contingent, (i) every obligation of such person for money borrowed; (ii) every obligation of such person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, including obligations incurred in connection with the acquisition of property, assets or businesses; (iii) every reimbursement obligation of such person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such person; (iv) every obligation of such person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business); (v) every capital lease obligation of such person; and (vi) every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above of another person and all dividends of another person the payment of which, in either case, such person has guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor or otherwise.

“Senior Indebtedness” means with respect to any of the Companies the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy

or for reorganization relating to such Company whether or not such claim for post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding), on Indebtedness, whether incurred on orNotes prior to the dateMaturity thereof. For this purpose, Government Obligations include direct obligations of, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America entitled to the benefit of the Indenture of such Companyfull faith and credit thereof and, subject to certain conditions, certificates, depositary receipts or thereafter incurred, unless,other instruments which evidence a direct ownership interest in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are not superioror in right of paymentany specific interest or principal payments due in respect thereof.

       As a condition to defeasing the Notes as described above prior to Maturity, the Company is obligated to deliver specified certificates and opinions, including either a private Internal Revenue

28


Service ruling or, if based on a change in law since the Original Issue Date, a legal opinion to the QUIDS or to other Indebtedness which is equal with, or subordinatedeffect that the defeasance of the Notes will be tax free to the QUIDS; provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not be deemed to include (i) any Indebtedness of such Company which, when incurred and without respect to any election under Section 1111(b)Holders of the Bankruptcy Code, was without recourseNotes to such Company, (ii) any Indebtednessbe defeased.
Concerning the Trustee
       The Trustee is Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, an affiliate of such Company to any of its subsidiaries, (iii) Indebtedness to any employee of such Company, (iv) any liability for taxes, and (v) Indebtedness or monetary obligations to trade creditors or assumed by such Company or any of its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining of materials or services.

CertainWells Fargo Bank, National Association, is one of the operating assetsunderwriters for this offering. HECO had undrawn lines of HECO and its consolidated subsidiaries are owned by MECO and HELCO. In addition, HECO receives interest and dividends from its subsidiaries. Accordingly, the HECO QUIDS and the Substituted HECO QUIDS will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of HECO’s subsidiaries. Holders of Distributable HECO QUIDS should look only to the assets of HECO for payments of principal and interest thereon.

The Indentures place no limitation oncredit with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in the amount of additional Senior Indebtedness that may be incurred by any$25 million as of December 31, 2005.

Governing Law
       Each of the Companies. The electric public utility business is capital intensive,Indentures, the Notes and the Companies anticipate that from time to time they will incur substantial additional indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness.

Governing Law

The Indenture and the QUIDSguarantees of HECO will be governed by and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

29

Information Concerning the Debenture Trustee


The Debenture Trustee shall have and be subject to all the duties and responsibilities specified with respect to an indenture trustee under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. Subject to such provisions, the Debenture Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Indenture at the request of any holder of QUIDS, unless offered reasonable indemnity by such holder against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred thereby. The Debenture Trustee is not required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur personal financial liability in the performance of its duties if the Debenture Trustee reasonably believes that repayment or adequate indemnity is not reasonably assured to it.

DESCRIPTION OF TRUST GUARANTEE
UNDERWRITING

The Trust Guarantee will be executed and delivered by HECO upon the issuance by the Trust of its QUIPS for the benefit of the holders of the QUIPS. The Bank of New York will act as the Trust Guarantee Trustee under the Trust Guarantee for purposes of compliance with the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and the Trust Guarantee will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The following is a summary of certain of the terms and provisions of the Trust Guarantee. This summary is not a complete description of all of the terms and provisions of the Trust Guarantee. For more information, we refer you to the form of the Trust Guarantee, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The Trust Guarantee Trustee will hold the Trust Guarantee for the benefit of the holders of the QUIPS.

General

HECO will irrevocably agree to pay in full, on a subordinated basis, to the extent set forth herein, the Guarantee Payments (as defined below) to the holders of the QUIPS, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that the Trust may have or assert, other than the defense of payment. The following payments with respect to the QUIPS, to the extent not paid by or on behalf of the Trust (the “Guarantee Payments”), will be subject to the Trust Guarantee: (i) any accumulated and unpaid Distributions required to be paid on such QUIPS, to the extent that the Trust has funds on hand available at such time, (ii) the QUIPS Redemption Price with respect to any QUIPS called for redemption, to the extent the Trust has funds on hand available at such time, or (iii) upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Trust (unless the Distributable HECO QUIDS are distributed to holders of QUIPS), the lesser of (a) the Liquidation Distribution and (b) the amount of assets of the Trust remaining available for distribution to holders of QUIPS. HECO’s obligation to make a Guarantee Payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by HECO to the holders of the QUIPS or by causing the Trust to pay such amounts to such holders.

The Trust Guarantee will be an irrevocable guarantee on a subordinated basis of the Trust’s obligations under the QUIPS, but will apply only to the extent that the Trust has funds sufficient to make such payments, and is not a guarantee of collection.

If any of the Companies do not make interest payments on the QUIDS held by the Trust, the Trust will not be able to pay Distributions on the QUIPS and will not have funds legally available to make these payments. The Trust Guarantee will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of HECO. See “—Status of the Trust Guarantee.” Certain of the operating assets of HECO and its consolidated subsidiaries are owned by MECO and HELCO. In addition, HECO receives interest and dividends from its subsidiaries. Accordingly, HECO’s obligations under the Trust Guarantee will be effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of HECO’s subsidiaries, and claimants should look only to the assets of HECO for payments thereunder.

Status of the Trust Guarantee

The Trust Guarantee will constitute an unsecured obligation of HECO and will rank junior in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of HECO.

The Trust Guarantee will rank equally with the guarantees issued with respect to trust preferred securities issued by HECO Capital Trust I and HECO Capital Trust II in 1997 and 1998, respectively, until such trust preferred securities are redeemed, and all similar guarantees issued by HECO in the future. The Trust Guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection (i.e., the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against HECO to enforce its rights under the Trust Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity). The Trust Guarantee will be held for the benefit of the holders of the QUIPS. The Trust Guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the Guarantee Payments in full to the extent not paid by the Trust

or upon distribution to the holders of the QUIPS of the Distributable HECO QUIDS. The Trust Guarantee does not place a limitation on the amount of additional Senior Indebtedness that may be incurred or issued by any of the Companies. The electric public utility business is capital intensive and for this and other reasons the Companies anticipate that from time to time they will incur substantial additional indebtedness constituting Senior Indebtedness.

Amendments and Assignment

Except with respect to any changes which do not materially adversely affect the rights of holders of the QUIPS (in which case no vote will be required), the Trust Guarantee may not be amended without the prior approval of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation preference of the outstanding QUIPS. The manner of obtaining any such approval will be as set forth under “Description of QUIPS—Voting Rights; Amendment of the Trust Agreement.” All guarantees and agreements contained in the Trust Guarantee shall bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of HECO and shall inure to the benefit of the holders of the related QUIPS then outstanding.

Events of Default

An event of default under the Trust Guarantee will occur upon the failure of HECO to perform any of its payment or other obligations thereunder. The holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation preference of the QUIPS have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trust Guarantee Trustee in respect of the Trust Guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the Trust Guarantee Trustee under the Trust Guarantee.

Any holder of the QUIPS may institute a legal proceeding directly against HECO to enforce its rights under the Trust Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust, the Trust Guarantee Trustee or any other person or entity.

HECO, as guarantor, is required to file annually with the Trust Guarantee Trustee a certificate as to whether or not HECO is in compliance with all the conditions and covenants applicable to it under the Trust Guarantee.

Information Concerning the Guarantee Trustee

The Trust Guarantee Trustee, other than during the occurrence and continuance of a default by HECO in performance of the Trust Guarantee, undertakes to perform only such duties as are specifically set forth in the Trust Guarantee and, after a default with respect to the Trust Guarantee, must exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the Trust Guarantee Trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by the Trust Guarantee at the request of any holder of any QUIPS unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred thereby.

Termination of the Trust Guarantee

The Trust Guarantee will terminate and be of no further force and effect upon full payment of the QUIPS Redemption Price, upon full payment of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the Trust or upon distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS to the holders of the QUIPS. The Trust Guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any Holder of QUIPS must restore payment of any sums paid under such QUIPS or the Trust Guarantee.

Governing Law

The Trust Guarantee will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES AND EXPENSE AGREEMENT

The Subsidiary Guarantees of HECO will be included in the respective Indentures of MECO and HELCO.

       Each of the Companies will also execute and deliver the Expense Agreement. The following is a summary of certain of the terms and provisions of the Subsidiary Guarantees and the Expense Agreement. The summary is not a complete description of all of the terms and provisions of the Subsidiary Guarantees and the Expense Agreement. For more information, we refer you to the applicable portions of the forms of the subsidiary Junior Indenture and the Expense Agreement, each of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

The Subsidiary Guarantees

The MECO Indenture and the HELCO Indenture will each include a full, unconditional and irrevocable HECO guarantee, on a subordinated basis, of all payments in respect of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS. The Subsidiary Guarantees do not require HECO to pay any interest payments deferred by MECO or HELCO during a valid Extension Period. The Subsidiary Guarantees will be enforceable regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim that HECO may have or assert.

HECO’s obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantees will constitute unsecured obligations of HECO and will rank junior to all other existing and future liabilities of HECO and will rank equally with any guarantee now or hereafter entered into by HECO in respect of any securities similar to the MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS issued by any subsidiary of HECO. Accordingly, the rights of the holders of MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS to receive payments under the Subsidiary Guarantees will be subject to the rights of the holders of any obligations that are senior in priority to the obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantees. Furthermore, the holders of HECO obligations that rank senior to the obligations under the Subsidiary Guarantees (including, but not limited to, obligations constituting Senior Indebtedness of HECO) will be entitled to the same rights upon payment default or dissolution, liquidation and reorganization in respect of the Subsidiary Guarantees that inure to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of HECO as against the holders of HECO QUIDS. The terms of the MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS provide that each holder, by acceptance thereof, agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of the Subsidiary Guarantees.

Each of the Subsidiary Guarantees will terminate and be of no further force or effect upon payment in full of the QUIDS Redemption Price of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS, respectively, upon payment in full of the QUIPS Redemption Price or upon payment in full of the amounts payable upon liquidation of the Trust or upon distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS to the holders of the QUIPS; provided, however, that each of the Subsidiary Guarantees will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of QUIPS or Distributable HECO QUIDS must restore payment of any sums paid under the QUIPS, the Distributable HECO QUIDS or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantee.

The Expense Agreement

In the Expense Agreement that will be entered into by each of the Companies, the Companies will agree to provide funds to the Trust as needed to pay to each person or entity to whom the Trust becomes indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or liabilities of the Trust, other than obligations of the Trust to pay to the holders of any QUIPS the amounts due such holders pursuant to the terms of the QUIPS. Each Company will be obligated to contribute its share of any such payments pro rata based on the aggregate principal amount of its respective QUIDS, and HECO will fully, irrevocably and unconditionally agree to pay the amounts owed by MECO and HELCO under the Expense Agreement if either or both of them fail to make such payments when due.

RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE QUIPS, THE QUIDS AND THE GUARANTEES

Full and Unconditional Guarantee

Taken together, HECO’s obligations under the HECO QUIDS, the HECO Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Trust Agreement, the Expense Agreement and the Trust Guarantee provide, in the aggregate, a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payments of distributions and other amounts due on the QUIPS. No single document standing alone or operating in conjunction with fewer than all of the other documents constitutes such guarantee. It is only the combined operation of these documents that has the effect of providing a full, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of the Trust’s obligations under the QUIPS. Payments of Distributions and other amounts due on the QUIPS (to the extent the Trust has funds available for the payment of such Distributions and other amounts) are irrevocably guaranteed by HECO as and to the extent set forth under “Description of Trust Guarantee.” If and to the extent that HECO does not make payments on the HECO QUIDS, or if MECO or HELCO does not make payments on the MECO QUIDS or the HELCO QUIDS, as the case may be, and HECO does not make payments under the Subsidiary Guarantees, the Trust will not have sufficient funds to pay Distributions or other amounts due on the QUIPS. The Trust Guarantee does not cover payment of Distributions when the Trust does not have sufficient funds to pay such Distributions. In such event, a holder of QUIPS may institute a Direct Action against any of the Companies which has failed to make payment, and against HECO on its Subsidiary Guarantees if MECO or HELCO has failed to make payment, to enforce payment of such Distributions to such holder after the respective due dates. The obligations of HECO under the HECO QUIDS, the Trust Guarantee and the Expense Agreement are subordinate and junior to all Senior Indebtedness of HECO and the obligations of HECO under the Subsidiary Guarantees are subordinate and junior to all existing and future liabilities of HECO (including Senior Indebtedness).

Sufficiency of Payments

As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the QUIDS, such payments will be sufficient to cover Distributions and other payments to be made on the QUIPS, primarily because (i) the aggregate principal amount of the QUIDS will be equal to the sum of the aggregate stated liquidation preference of the QUIPS and the Common Securities; (ii) the interest rate and interest and other payment dates on the QUIDS will match the Distribution rate and Distribution and other payment dates for the QUIPS; (iii) the Companies shall pay under the Expense Agreement for all and any costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust except the Trust’s obligations to holders of the QUIPS under the QUIPS; and (iv) the Trust Agreement further provides that the Trust will not engage in any activity that is not consistent with the limited purposes of the Trust.

Enforcement Rights of Holders of QUIPS

A holder of any QUIPS may institute a legal proceeding directly against HECO to enforce its rights under the Trust Guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the Trust Guarantee Trustee, the Trust or any other person or entity. See “Description of QUIPS—Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of QUIPS” for a description of the enforcement rights of holders of QUIPS under the Trust Agreement.

A default or event of default under any Senior Indebtedness of any of the Companies will not constitute a default or Event of Default under the Indenture of such Company. However, in the event of payment defaults under, or acceleration of, Senior Indebtedness of such Company, the subordination provisions of each Indenture provide that no payments may be made in respect of the QUIDS issued thereunder until such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full or any payment default thereunder has been cured or waived. Failure to make required payments on any such QUIDS would constitute an Event of Default under such Indenture.

Limited Purpose of Trust

The QUIPS evidence preferred undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, and the Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing the QUIPS and the Common Securities and investing the proceeds thereof in QUIDS. A principal difference between the rights of a holder of QUIPS and a holder of QUIDS is that a holder of QUIDS is entitled to receive from the applicable Company (or from HECO under the Subsidiary Guarantees) the principal amount of and interest accrued on QUIDS held, while a holder of QUIPS is entitled to receive Distributions from the Trust (or from HECO under the Trust Guarantee) if and to the extent the Trust has funds available for the payment of such Distributions.

Rights Upon Dissolution

Upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the Trust not involving a distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS, the holders of the QUIPS will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by the Trust after satisfaction of creditors of the Trust as provided by applicable law, the Liquidation Distribution in cash. See “Description of QUIPS—Liquidation Value; Liquidation Distribution Upon Dissolution.” Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy of any of the Companies, the Property Trustee, as holder of the QUIDS of such Company, would be a subordinated creditor of such Company, subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of such Company, but entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest before any stockholders of such Company receive payments or distributions. Since HECO is the guarantor under the Trust Guarantee and the Subsidiary Guarantees and is obligated (either directly or as guarantor) under the Expense Agreement to pay for all costs, expenses and liabilities of the Trust (other than the Trust’s obligations to the holders of the QUIPS), the positions of a holder of QUIPS and a holder of QUIDS relative to other creditors and to stockholders of HECO in the event of liquidation or bankruptcy of HECO would be substantially the same.

CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of QUIPS. This summary only addresses the tax consequences to a holder that acquires QUIPS on their original issue date at their original offering price, that holds the QUIPS as a capital asset for tax purposes and, except as otherwise expressly provided, that is (i) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or partnership organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) a trust the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the United States and for which one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions (a “United States Person”).

This summary does not address all tax consequences that may be applicable to a United States Person that is a beneficial owner of QUIPS (a “U.S. Holder”), nor does it address the tax consequences to (i) persons that may be subject to special treatment under United States federal income tax law, such as banks, insurance companies, thrift institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, dealers in securities or currencies and traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-mark method of accounting, (ii) persons that will hold QUIPS as part of a position in a “straddle” or as part of a “hedging,” “conversion” or other integrated investment transaction for federal income tax purposes, or (iii) persons whose functional currency is not the United States dollar.

The statements of law and legal conclusions set forth in this summary constitute the opinion of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP, counsel to the Companies and the Trust (“Tax Counsel”), which opinion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the courts. This summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), its legislative history, Treasury regulations, Internal Revenue Service rulings and pronouncements and court decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change at any time. Such changes may be applied retroactively in a manner that could cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below, possibly adversely affecting a beneficial owner of QUIPS. If such a change occurs and constitutes a Tax Event, HECO will be permitted to cause a redemption of the QUIPS. The authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations and no rulings have been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to any of the tax matters discussed in this prospectus. It is therefore possible that the United States federal income tax treatment of the purchase, ownership and disposition of QUIPS may differ from the treatment described below.

Please consult your own tax advisor as to the consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of QUIPS in light of your own particular circumstances under the Internal Revenue Code and the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Classification of the Trust

Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, under current law and assuming compliance with the terms of the Trust Agreement and certain other documents, the Trust will be classified as a grantor trust and not as an association taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, each beneficial owner of QUIPS will be treated as owning an undivided beneficial interest in the QUIDS. Accordingly, each U.S. Holder will be required to include in its gross income its pro rata share of any interest or original issue discount (“OID”) paid or accrued with respect to the QUIDS whether or not the Trust actually distributes cash to holders. See “—Stated Interest and Original Issue Discount.”

Stated Interest and Original Issue Discount

Under applicable Treasury regulations, a “remote” contingency that stated interest will not be timely paid is ignored when determining whether a debt instrument is issued with OID. Under each of

the Indentures, the applicable Company has the right to defer the payment of interest on its QUIDS at any time or from time to time for a period (including any extensions thereof) not exceeding 20 consecutive quarters with respect to each Extension Period, provided that no Extension Period may extend beyond the Stated Maturity of such QUIDS. Each of the Companies believes that the likelihood of it exercising its option to defer payments of interest is remote because exercising the option would, among other things, prevent such Company (and HECO, if the deferring Company is MECO or HELCO) from declaring dividends on its capital stock. Accordingly, Tax Counsel is of the opinion that the QUIDS should not be considered to be issued with OID at the time of their original issuance.

Under the regulations, if any Company elects an Extension Period, such Company’s QUIDS would at that time be treated as having been retired and reissued with OID. Consequently, U.S. Holders (even if they used the cash method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes) would be required to include OID in income on an economic accrual basis with respect to such QUIDS during such Extension Period and thereafter for as long as such QUIDS remain outstanding. In such event, all of a U.S. Holder’s taxable interest income with respect to those QUIDS would be accounted for as OID on an economic accrual basis regardless of such holder’s method of tax accounting, and actual distributions of stated interest on those QUIDS would not be reported as taxable income. Consequently, a U.S. Holder would be required to include OID in gross income even though the Companies would not make any actual cash payments on their QUIDS during the Extension Period. The amount of OID that would accrue in any quarterly period would approximately equal the amount of interest that accrues in that quarterly period at the stated interest rate. Stated interest on the QUIDS of any of the Companies with respect to which such Company had not exercised its right to defer payments of interest would continue to be taxable to a U.S. Holder at the time it was paid or accrued in accordance with such U.S. Holder’s method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes.

Because income on the QUIDS will constitute interest or OID, corporate U.S. Holders will not be entitled to dividends-received deductions with respect to any income taken into account with respect to the QUIPS. Moreover, the preferential tax rates applicable to corporate dividends will not apply to such interest or OID.

Distribution of QUIDS to Holders of QUIPS

Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, under current United States federal income tax law, the exchange of the MECO QUIDS and the HELCO QUIDS for the Substituted HECO QUIDS would likely be treated as a taxable exchange for United States federal income tax purposes with respect to a U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS. As a result, each U.S. Holder would recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between (i) the fair market value of such U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of the Substituted HECO QUIDS received by the Trust in exchange for MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS prior to such distribution and (ii) such U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its pro rata share of MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS exchanged therefor. Tax Counsel is of the further opinion that, under current United States federal income tax law, the exchange would not be a taxable exchange with respect to a U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of HECO QUIDS and such U.S. Holder would not recognize any gain or loss with respect thereto. See “Description of QUIPS—Redemption or Exchange—Special Event Redemption or Distribution of QUIDS” and “Description of QUIDS—Distribution of QUIDS; Exchange of Substituted HECO QUIDS for MECO and HELCO QUIDS.”

Upon the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS to the holders, each holder would receive directly its pro rata share thereof previously held indirectly through the Trust and, with respect to such holder’s pro rata share of HECO QUIDS (but not Substituted HECO QUIDS), would have a holding period and aggregate adjusted tax basis equal to the holding period and aggregate adjusted tax basis

such holder had in its pro rata share of HECO QUIDS before such distribution. Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, under current United States federal income tax law, the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS upon the dissolution of the Trust would not be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS. If, however, the Trust were characterized for United States federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation at the time of dissolution, or if there were a change in law or legal interpretation, or upon the occurrence of certain other circumstances, the distribution of the Distributable HECO QUIDS could be a taxable exchange to holders of the QUIPS. See “Description of QUIPS—Redemption or Exchange—Special Event Redemption or Distribution of QUIDS” and “Description of QUIDS—Distribution of QUIDS; Exchange of Substituted HECO QUIDS for MECO and HELCO QUIDS.”

Tax Counsel is of the opinion that, following such a distribution, a U.S. Holder would generally include in gross income interest in respect of the Distributable HECO QUIDS received in the manner described under “Stated Interest and Original Issue Discount,” except that the Substituted HECO QUIDS may be treated as having been issued either with OID or at a premium, depending on their fair market value at the time of the exchange and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the QUIPS at the time of the exchange. Issuance of the Distributable HECO QUIDS with OID or at a premium could significantly change the amounts of interest income included in gross income by a U.S. Holder in taxable years following the distribution, as well as the amount of any gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder upon a subsequent disposition of Distributable HECO QUIDS. It is not possible to predict the precise tax consequences to a U.S. Holder in this regard, and U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors as to such consequences. However, if the Substituted HECO QUIDS are treated as having been issued with OID, U.S. Holders (even if they use the cash method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes) will be required to include OID in income on an economic accrual basis with respect to such Substituted HECO QUIDS.

Sales or Redemption of QUIPS

Gain or loss will be recognized by a U.S. Holder on a sale of QUIPS (including a redemption for cash) in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized (which, for this purpose, will exclude amounts attributable to accrued interest not previously included in income) and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the QUIPS sold or redeemed. The tax basis of a holder in its QUIPS would be increased by any OID included in income and decreased by any payments of interest that had been deferred. Gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on QUIPS held for more than one year will generally be taxable as long-term capital gain or loss. Long-term capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15%.

The QUIPS may trade at a price that does not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest with respect to the underlying QUIDS. A U.S. Holder that disposes of its QUIPS between record dates for payments of Distributions will nevertheless be required to include in income as ordinary income accrued OID and, in the case of an accrual method taxpayer, accrued but unpaid interest on the QUIDS through the date of disposition. Such U.S. Holder will recognize a capital loss on the disposition of its QUIPS to the extent the selling price (which may not fully reflect the value of accrued but unpaid interest) is less than the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the QUIPS (which will reflect any accrued OID). Subject to certain limited exceptions, capital losses cannot be applied to offset ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

United States Alien Holders

For purposes of this discussion, a “United States Alien Holder” is a beneficial owner of QUIPS that is not a United States Person. Under present United States federal income tax laws: (i) payments by the Trust or any of its paying agents to any holder of QUIPS that is a United States Alien Holder will not

be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax, provided (a) the beneficial owner of the QUIPS does not actually or constructively own 10 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of HECO entitled to vote, (b) the beneficial owner of the QUIPS is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to HECO through stock ownership, and (c) either (A) the beneficial owner of the QUIPS certifies to the issuer or its agent, under penalty of perjury, that it is not a United States Person and provides its name and address or (B) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business (a “Financial Institution”), and holds the QUIPS in such capacity, certifies to the issuer or its agent, under penalty of perjury, that such statement has been received from the beneficial owner by it or by a Financial Institution between it and the beneficial owner and furnishes the Trust or its agent with a copy thereof; and (ii) a United States Alien Holder will generally not be subject to United States federal income or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of QUIPS, provided the gain is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States by the United States Alien Holder and the United States Alien Holder is not an individual who has been present in the United States for 183 days or more during the year of the sale or other disposition.

Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting

The amount of interest or OID paid or accrued on the QUIPS held of record by United States Persons (other than corporations and other exempt holders) will be reported annually to the Internal Revenue Service. It is anticipated that such interest or OID will be reported to holders on Form 1099INT or Form 1099OID and delivered by January 31 following each calendar year. “Backup” withholding at the applicable statutory rate will apply to payments of interest to non-exempt United States Persons unless the holder furnishes its taxpayer identification number in the manner prescribed in applicable Treasury regulations, certifies that such number is correct, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and meets certain other conditions.

Payment of the proceeds from the disposition of QUIPS to or through the United States office of a broker is subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless the Holder or beneficial owner establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be allowed as a refund or a credit against a holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

Each fiduciary of a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) (each, an “ERISA Plan”), should consider the fiduciary standards of ERISA in the context of the ERISA Plan’s particular circumstances before authorizing an investment in the QUIPS. Accordingly, among other factors, the fiduciary should consider whether the investment would satisfy the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA and would be consistent with the documents and instruments governing the ERISA Plan.

Section 406 of ERISA prohibits ERISA Plans, and Section 4975 of the Code prohibits other employee benefit plans that are not subject to ERISA but are subject to Section 4975 of the Code, such as individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans (together with ERISA Plans, “Plans”), from engaging in certain transactions involving “plan assets” with persons who are “parties in interest” under ERISA or “disqualified persons” under the Code (together, “Parties in Interest”) with respect to such Plan. A violation of these “prohibited transaction” rules may result in an excise tax or other liabilities under ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code for such persons, unless exemptive relief is available under an applicable statutory or administrative exemption.

Certain transactions involving the issuer could be deemed to constitute direct or indirect prohibited transactions under ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code with respect to a Plan if the QUIPS were acquired with “plan assets” of such Plan. For example, if HECO is a Party in Interest with respect to an investing Plan (either directly or by reason of its ownership of its subsidiaries), an indirect extension of credit prohibited by Section 406(a)(1)(B) of ERISA and Section 4975(c)(1)(B) of the Code between HECO and the investing Plan may be deemed to occur, unless exemptive relief were available under an applicable administrative exemption (see below).

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued prohibited transaction class exemptions (“PTCEs”) that may provide exemptive relief for direct or indirect prohibited transactions resulting from the purchase or holding of the QUIPS, assuming that assets of the Trust were deemed to be “plan assets” of Plans investing in the Issuer. Those class exemptions include PTCE 96-23 (for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTCE 91-38 (for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), and PTCE 84-14 (for certain transactions determined by independent qualified asset managers).

Any purchaser or holder of the QUIPS or any interest therein will be deemed to have represented by its purchase and holding thereof that it either (a) is not a Plan and is not purchasing such securities on behalf of or with “plan assets” of any Plan or (b) is eligible for the exemptive relief available under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1 or 84-14 or another DOL exemption with respect to such purchase or holding.

Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries of any Plan purchasing or holding the QUIPS, and each fiduciary for a governmental or church plan subject to rules similar to those imposed on Plans, consult with their legal counsel concerning an investment in the QUIPS and regarding the availability of possible exemptive relief under PTCE 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1 or 84-14 or another DOL exemption. In addition, each fiduciary for a governmental or church plan subject to rules similar to those imposed on Plans should consult with his or her legal counsel concerning the purchase or holding of the QUIPS under applicable state and/or local law.

UNDERWRITING

The Companies, the Trust and the underwriters for the offering named below have entered into an underwriting agreement with respect to the QUIPS.Notes. Subject to the terms andcertain conditions, of the underwriting agreement, each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase from the Trustrespective principal amount of the number of QUIPS indicatedHECO Notes, the HELCO Notes and the MECO Notes set forth opposite its name in the following table. Goldman, Sachs & Co.table:

              
  Principal Principal Principal
  Amount of Amount of Amount of
Underwriters HECO Notes HELCO Notes MECO Notes
       
Goldman, Sachs & Co.  $   $   $  
A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.             
Lehman Brothers Inc.             
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
            
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC            
          
 Total $100,000,000  $50,000,000  $15,000,000 
          
       The underwriters are committed to take and Piper Jaffray & Co. are the representatives of the underwriters.

Underwriters


Number
of QUIPS


Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Piper Jaffray & Co.


Total

2,000,000

Because the Trust will invest the proceeds from the sale of the QUIPS in the QUIDS issued by the Companies, the underwriting agreement provides that the Companies will pay an underwriting commission of $             per QUIPS (or $ for all of the QUIPS) to the underwriters, as compensation.

QUIPSNotes being offered, if any are taken.

       Notes sold by the underwriters to the public will initially be offered at the initial public offering priceprices set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. Any QUIPSNotes sold by the underwriters to securities dealers may be sold at a discount of up to $             per QUIPS from the initial public offering price.price of up to           % of the principal amount of Notes. Any such securities dealers may resell the QUIPS they purchaseany Notes purchased from the underwriters to certain other brokers andor dealers at a discount of up to $             per QUIPS from the initial public offering price.price of up to           % of the principal amount of Notes. If all the QUIPSNotes are not sold at the initial public offering price, the underwriters may change the offering price and the other selling terms.

The Companies and the TrustNotes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We have agreed with the underwriters to not offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust, or any preferred securities or any other securities of the Trust or the Companies that are substantially similar to the QUIPS (including any guarantee of such securities) or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for or representing the right to receive securities, preferred securities or any such substantially similar securities of either the Trust or the Companies, without the prior written consent of Goldman, Sachs & Co., except for the QUIPS offered in connection with this offering. This restriction will apply during the period beginning from the date of this prospectus and continuing to and including the earlier of (i) the termination of trading restrictions on the QUIPS, as determinedbeen advised by the underwriters and (ii) 30 days afterthat the closing date.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the QUIPS. The QUIPS have been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, and HECO expects trading of the QUIPS on the New York Stock Exchange to begin within the 30-day period after the initial delivery of the QUIPS. In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the QUIPS, the underwriters have undertaken to sell lots of 100 or more to a minimum of 400 beneficial owners.

The representatives of the underwriters have advised HECO that they intend to make a market in the QUIPS prior to the commencement of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. However, the representativesNotes but are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the QUIPS.

Notes.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell the QUIPSNotes in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater amountnumber of QUIPSNotes than is shown on the cover page of this prospectus. The underwriters may close out any short position by or purchasing QUIPSthey are required to purchase in the open market to reduce the short position.offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the QUIPSNotes while the offering is in progress.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This may occuroccurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting commissiondiscount received by it because the other underwriters have repurchased QUIPSNotes sold by or for the account of thatsuch underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

These activities by the underwriters may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market priceprices of the QUIPS.Notes. As a result, the priceprices of the QUIPSNotes may be higher than the priceprices that would otherwise prevailmight exist in the open market. If these activities are commenced, they may be discontinued by the underwriters at any time. These transactions may be effected on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counterover-the-counter market or otherwise.
       In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a Relevant Member State), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the Relevant Implementation Date) it has not made and will not

30


make an offer of Notes to the public in that Relevant Member State prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the Notes which has been approved by the competent authority in that Relevant Member State or, where appropriate, approved in another Relevant Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Relevant Member State, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the Relevant Implementation Date, make an offer of Notes to the public in that Relevant Member State at any time:
       (a) to legal entities which are authorised or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorised or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities;
       (b) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year, (2) a total balance sheet of more than43,000,000, and (3) an annual net turnover of more than50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or
       (c) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by the Companies of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.
       For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of Notes to the public” in relation to any Notes in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the Notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the Notes, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/ EC and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Relevant Member State.
       Each underwriter has represented and agreed that: (i) it has only communicated or caused to be communicated and will only communicate or cause to be communicated an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) received by it in connection with the issue or sale of the Notes in circumstances in which Section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply to the Companies and (ii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the FSMA with respect to anything done by it in relation to the Notes in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.
The Notes may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than to persons whose ordinary business is to buy or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent, or in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong, and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the Notes may be issued, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to Notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and any rules made thereunder.
       The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan (the Securities and Exchange Law) and each underwriter has agreed that it will not offer or sell any Notes, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Law and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.
       This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the Notes may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the Notes be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for

31


subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”), (ii) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.
       Where the Notes are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (a) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (b) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the Notes under Section 275 except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (2) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (3) by operation of law.
       We estimate that theirour share of the total expenses of the offering, excluding underwriting discounts, and commissions, will be approximately $            .

The Companies and the Trust$375,000.

       We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment and commercial banking services for HECOthe Companies and itstheir affiliates, for which they have received or will receive customary fees and commissions.

LEGAL OPINIONS

Certain mattersreimbursement of Delaware law relating to the validityexpenses. Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, one of the QUIPS, the validityunderwriters, is an affiliate of the Trust Agreement and the creation of the Trust will be passed upon by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A., special Delaware counsel to the Companies and the Trust.Trustee.

VALIDITY OF THE NOTES AND GUARANTEES
       The validity of the Trust Guarantee, the Subsidiary GuaranteesNotes and the QUIDSHECO guarantees will be passed upon for the Companies by Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, a Limited Liability Law Partnership LLP, Honolulu, Hawaii, andHawaii. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, New York, New York. CertainGoodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP will rely as to all matters relatingof New York law upon the opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP will rely as to United States federal income tax considerations will be passedall matters of Hawaii law upon for the Companies byopinion of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements and schedule of HECO and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 20032004 and 2002,2003 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003, which consolidated2004, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial statements and schedulereporting as of December 31, 2004, have been incorporated by reference and included respectively, in HECO’s Annual Report onForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, have been2004, which is incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent certifiedregistered public accountants,accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The audit reports covering the December 31, 2004 and 2003 consolidated financial statements and schedule refer to a change in the method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities.

32


No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securitiesNotes offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
  Page

 1

 73

18

Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 1911

 2012

14
 2215

23

Where You Can Find More Information

 2316

 2417

 2417

 2518

 2630

 4032

 49

Description of Subsidiary Guarantees and Expense Agreement

32
 51

Relationship Among the QUIPS, the QUIDS and the Guarantees

52

Certain United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

54

Certain ERISA Considerations

58

Underwriting

59

Legal Opinions

60

Experts

60



2,000,000 Preferred Securities

HECO Capital Trust III

Until                     , 200     , all dealers that effect transactions in the HELCO Notes or the MECO Notes, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
$100,000,000
Hawaiian Electric
Company, Inc.
Cumulative Quarterly

Income Preferred Securities,

Series 2004 (QUIPSSM)

(Liquidation Preference $25 per QUIPS)

Notes due 2036

$50,000,000
Hawaii Electric
Light Company, Inc.
              % Notes due 2036
Fully and unconditionally guaranteed,

as set forth herein,Unconditionally

Guaranteed by

Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.


$15,000,000
Maui Electric
Company, Limited
              % Notes due 2036
Fully and Unconditionally
Guaranteed by
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.
PROSPECTUS


Goldman, Sachs & Co.
A.G. Edwards
Lehman Brothers
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Wells Fargo Securities

Piper Jaffray

Representatives of the Underwriters



PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The estimated expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriters’ compensation, are:

Filing Fee for Registration Statement

  $8,090

Legal Fees and Expenses*

   175,000

Accounting Fees and Expenses*

   60,000

Blue Sky Fees and Expenses*

   5,000

Printing and Engraving Fees*

   65,000

Fees and Expenses of Registrars, Transfer Agents, Paying Agents and Trustees*

   15,000

Fees of rating agencies*

   95,000

Listing Fees*

   30,000

Miscellaneous*

   26,910
   

Total*

  $480,000
   


*Estimated
Item 14.Other Expenses of Issuances and Distribution*

Item 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

      
Filing fee for registration statement $17,655 
Legal fees and expenses  120,000 
Fees of rating agencies  125,000 
Accounting fees and expenses  65,000 
Printing and engraving expenses  30,000 
Trustee fees and expenses**  2,000 
Blue sky fees and expenses  7,500 
Other  7,845 
    
 Total $375,000 
    
 * All amounts other than the SEC filing fee are estimated.
** Does not include annual service fee.
Item 15.Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The respective Articles of Incorporation of each of the Companies,HECO, HELCO and MECO, as amended, provide that HECO, HELCO and MECO, as the case may be and subject to certain exceptions, the applicable Company shall indemnify any person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding to which such person is a party or is threatened to be made a party by reason of being or having been a director, officer, employee or agent of such Company,HECO, HELCO and MECO, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of such Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. With respect to an action brought by or in the right of HECO, HELCO and MECO, as the applicable Company,case may be, in which such person is adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of that person’s duty to such Company, indemnification may be made only to the extent deemed fair and reasonable in view of all the circumstances of the case by the court in which the action was brought or any other court having jurisdiction. A similar indemnity in the Restated Articles of Incorporation of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (“HEI”), HECO’s parent corporation, is extended to persons serving at the request of HEI as a director, officer, employee or agent of another enterprise, which could include each of the Companies. The indemnification provisions in the Articles of Incorporation were authorized at the time of their adoption by the applicable provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, and substantially similar authorizing provisions are currently set forth in Section 414-242 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

At HEI’s annual meeting of stockholders held on April 18, 1989,18,1989, the stockholders adopted a proposal authorizing HEI to enter into written indemnity agreements with its officers and directors, including in their capacities as officers and directors of subsidiaries of HEI. Pursuant to such authority, HEI has entered into agreements of indemnity with certain of its officers and directors, some of whom areserve as directors and officers and directors of the Companies. The agreements provide for advancement of expenses and for mandatory indemnification to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by law, which could among other things protect the indemnified officers and directors of suchthe Companies from certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. Indemnification under the agreements may be provided

II-1


without a prior determination that inan officer or director acted in good faith or in the best interests of HEI, and without prior court approval provide for indemnification against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts in connection with any action by or in the right of HEI.

II-1


Under a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, directors and officers are insured against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.

The Trust Agreement

       Reference is made to Section 10 of the Trust provides that no Trustee, affiliateUnderwriting Agreement, which indemnifies the directors and officers of any Trustee, or any officers, directors, shareholders, members, partners, employees, representatives or agentsHECO, HELCO and MECO against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of any Trustee, or any employee or agent of the Trust or its affiliates (each an “Indemnified Person”) shall be liable, responsible or accountable in damages or otherwise to the Trust or any employee or agent of the Trust or its affiliates for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by the Trust Agreement or by law, except that an Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence (or, in the case of the Property Trustee, negligence) or willful misconduct with respect to such acts or omissions. The Trust Agreement also provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, HECO shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf of the Trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority conferred on such Indemnified Person by the Trust Agreement, except that no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross negligence (or, in the case of the Property Trustee, negligence) or willful misconduct with respect to such acts of omissions. The Trust Agreement further provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Trust prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be indemnified for the underlying cause of action as authorized by the Trust Agreement.

Item 16.    Exhibits.

1933.
1

Form of Underwriting Agreement for offering of QUIPS.*

4(a)Item 16.Exhibits
 

† 1Form of Underwriting Agreement
† 4(a)Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2006, between HECO and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
† 4(b)Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2006, among HELCO, HECO, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
† 4(c)Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2006, among MECO, HECO, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
† 4(d)Form of Officers’ Certificate of TrustPursuant to the HECO Indenture (including form of HECO Capital Trust III.*

Note)
† 4
4(b)(e) 

Trust Agreement of HECO Capital Trust III.*

4(c) 

Form of Amended and Restated Trust AgreementOfficers’ Certificate Pursuant to be used in connection with the issuanceHELCO Indenture (including form of QUIPS by HECO Capital Trust III.*

HELCO Note)
† 4
4(d)(f) 

Form of HECO Junior Indenture with The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee, to be used in connection with the issuance of HECO QUIDS.*

4(e) 

Form of QUIPS for issuance by HECO Capital Trust III (included in Exhibit 4(c)).*

Officers’ Certificate Pursuant to the MECO Indenture (including form of MECO Note)
† 5
4(f)(a) 

Form of QUIDS for issuance by HECO (included in Exhibit 4(d)).*

4(g) 

Form of Trust Guarantee Agreement between The Bank of New York, as Trust Guarantee Trustee, and HECO.*

4(h)

Form of Subsidiary Junior Indenture with The Bank of New York, as Trustee, to be used in connection with issuance of MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS and related Subsidiary Guarantees (including the form of QUIDS for issuance by MECO and HELCO).*

4(i)

Form of Expense Agreement among HECO Capital Trust III, HECO, MECO and HELCO.*

II-2


5(a)

Opinion of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP.*

LLP
† 5
5(b)(b) 

Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.*

5(c) 

Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP.*

Shaw Pittman LLP
*
812 

Tax Opinion of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP.*

12(a) 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*

Charges
*23
12(b)(a) 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.*

23(a) 

Consent of KPMG LLP.**

LLP
†23
23(b)(b) 

Consent of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP as to validity opinion (included(to be included in Exhibit 5(a)).*

†23
23(c)(c) 

Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. as to validity opinion (included in Exhibit 5(b)).*

23(d) 

Consent of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP as to validity opinion (included(to be included in Exhibit 5(c)5(b)).*

*24
23(e)(a) 

Consent of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP as to opinion re tax matters (included in Exhibit 8).*

24(a) 

Power of Attorney for HECO and HECO officers and directors.*

*24
24(b)(b) 

Power of Attorney for HECO Capital Trust III (included in Exhibit 4(b)).*

HELCO
*24
24(c)(c) 

Power of Attorney for MECO and MECO officers and directors.*

*25
24(d)(a) 

Power of Attorney for HELCO and HELCO officers and directors.*

25(a) 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York,National Association, as Property Trustee under the Trust Agreement of HECO Capital Trust III.*

Indenture
*25
25(b)(b) 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York,National Association, as Trust Guarantee Trustee under the Trust Guarantee Agreement.*

HELCO Indenture
*25
25(c)(c) 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York,National Association, as Debenture Trustee under the HECO Junior Indenture.*

MECO Indenture
25(d)*   

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee under the MECO Junior Indenture andFiled with respect to the related HECO Subsidiary Guarantee.*

this registration statement.
25(e)† 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee under the HELCO Junior Indenture and with respectTo be filed by pre-effective amendment to the related HECO Subsidiary Guarantee.*

this registration statement.

*Previously filed.
Item 17.Undertakings
**Filed with this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement.

Item 17.    Undertakings.

Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:

(1)    That,undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of HECO’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statementthe registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

II-3


(2)    To provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

(3)    That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933:

(i)    The information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as

       Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes that:
       (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

II-2

(ii)    Each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


       (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of each registrantany of the Companies pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, each registrantof the Companies has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a registrantany of the Companies of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of a registrantany of the Companies in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the respective registrantCompany will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

II-4

II-3


SIGNATURES

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.each Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that Itit meets all of the requirements for filing onForm S-3, reasonably believes that the securities rating requirement contained in Transaction Requirement B.2 ofForm S-3 will be met by the time of the sale of the securities registered hereunder, and has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawaii, on the 9th20th day of March 2004.

January, 2006.
HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.
HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC.
MAUI ELECTRIC COMPANY, LIMITED
By /s/HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC.Tayne S.Y. Sekimura

By:

/s/    RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN        


  Richard A. von Gnechten
 Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
 Financial Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in their capacities with Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and on the dates indicated.

Signatures


 

Title


Date


T. MICHAEL MAY*


T. Michael May

President & Chief Executive
Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

March 9, 2004

RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN*


Richard A. von Gnechten

Financial Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer)

March 9, 2004

ERNEST T. SHIRAKI*


Ernest T. Shiraki

Controller
(Chief Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2004

ROBERT F. CLARKE*


Robert F. Clarke

Chairman of the Board of
Directors

March 9, 2004

SHIRLEY J. DANIEL*


Shirley J. Daniel

Director

March 9, 2004

DIANE J. PLOTTS*


Diane J. Plotts

Director

March 9, 2004

JAMES K. SCOTT*


James K. Scott

Director

March 9, 2004

ANNE M. TAKABUKI*


Anne M. Takabuki

Director

March 9, 2004

BARRY K. TANIGUCHI*


Barry K. Taniguchi

Director

March 9, 2004

JEFFREY N. WATANABE*


Jeffrey N. Watanabe

Director

March 9, 2004

*By    /s/    RICHARD A. VON GNECHTEN        


Richard A. von Gnechten

    
SignaturesTitleDate
Robert F. Clarke*

Robert F. Clarke
ChairmanJanuary 20, 2006
T. Michael May*

T. Michael May
President and Chief
Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 20, 2006
Tayne S.Y. Sekimura*

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
Financial Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer)
January 20, 2006
Patsy H. Nanbu*

Patsy H. Nanbu
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
January 20, 2006
Thomas B. Fargo*

Thomas B. Fargo
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Timothy E. Johns*

Timothy E. Johns
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
A. Maurice Myers*

A. Maurice Myers
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
David M. Nakada*

David M. Nakada
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006

II-4


SignaturesTitleDate
Diane J. Plotts*

Diane J. Plotts
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Crystal K. Rose*

Crystal K. Rose
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
James K. Scott*

James K. Scott
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Anne M. Takabuki*

Anne M. Takabuki
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Kelvin H. Taketa*

Kelvin H. Taketa
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Barry K. Taniguchi*

Barry K. Taniguchi
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Jeffrey N. Watanabe*

Jeffrey N. Watanabe
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
*By/s/Tayne S.Y. Sekimura

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
For himselfherself and as Attorney-In-Fact Attorney-in-fact
for the above mentioned
officers and directors
    

II-5



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, In the City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawaii, on the 9th day of March, 2004.

HAWAII ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY, INC.

By:

/s/    RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN        


Richard A. von Gnechten

Financial Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in their capacities with Hawaii Electric Light Company, Inc. and on the dates indicated.

Signature


 

Title


 

Date


WARREN H. W. LEE*


Warren H. W. Lee

 

President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)

Signatures March 9, 2004

RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN*Title


Richard A. von Gnechten

 

Financial Vice President
(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2004Date

T. MICHAEL MAY*


T. Michael May

Chairman of the Board of
Directors

March 9, 2004

ROBERT F. CLARKE*


Robert F. Clarke

Director

March 9, 2004

*By    /s/    RICHARD A. VON GNECHTEN        


    
 
T. Michael May*

T. Michael May
ChairmanJanuary 20, 2006
Robert F. Clarke*

Robert F. Clarke
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Warren H. W. Lee*

Warren H. W. Lee
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 20, 2006
Tayne S.Y. Sekimura*

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
Financial Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
January 20, 2006
*By Richard A. von Gnechten/s/Tayne S.Y. Sekimura

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
For herself and as Attorney-in-fact
for the above mentioned
officers and directors
    
For himself and as Attorney-in-Fact for the above mentioned officers and directors

II-6



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Maui Electric Company, Limited has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawaii, on the 9th day of March, 2004.

MAUI ELECTRIC COMPANY, LIMITED

By:

/s/    RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN        


Richard A. von Gnechten

Financial Vice President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in their capacities with Maui Electric Company, Limited and on the dates indicated.

Signature


 

Title


Date


EDWARD L. REINHARDT*


Edward L. Reinhardt

President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

March 9, 2004

RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN*


Richard A. von Gnechten

Financial Vice President
(Principal Financial and
Chief Accounting Officer)

March 9, 2004

T. MICHAEL MAY*


T. Michael May

Chairman of the Board of
Directors

March 9, 2004

ROBERT F. CLARKE*


Robert F. Clarke

Director

March 9, 2004

*By    /s/    RICHARD A. VON GNECHTEN        


    
Richard A. von GnechtenSignaturesTitleDate
    
T. Michael May*

T. Michael May
ChairmanJanuary 20, 2006
Robert F. Clarke*

Robert F. Clarke
DirectorJanuary 20, 2006
Edward L. Reinhardt*

Edward L. Reinhardt
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 20, 2006
Tayne S.Y. Sekimura*

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
Financial Vice President
(Principal Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer)
January 20, 2006
*By /s/Tayne S.Y. Sekimura

Tayne S.Y. Sekimura
For himselfherself and as Attorney-In-Fact Attorney-in-fact
for the above mentioned
officers and directors
    

II-7



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, HECO Capital Trust III has duly caused this Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Honolulu, State of Hawaii, on March 9, 2004.

Exhibits
HECO CAPITAL TRUST III

By:

Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., as Depositor

By:

/s/    RICHARD A.VON GNECHTEN        


  

Richard A. von Gnechten

Financial Vice President

II-8


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.


 

Description


1 

Form of Underwriting Agreement for offering of QUIPS.*

4
4(a)(a) 

Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2006, between HECO and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
4(b)Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2006, among HELCO, HECO, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
4(c)Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 2006, among MECO, HECO, as guarantor, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee
4(d)Form of Officers’ Certificate of TrustPursuant to the HECO Indenture (including form of HECO Capital Trust III.*

Note)
4
4(b)(e) 

Trust Agreement of HECO Capital Trust III.*

4(c) 

Form of Amended and Restated Trust AgreementOfficers’ Certificate Pursuant to be used in connection with the issuanceHELCO Indenture (including form of QUIPS by HECO Capital Trust III.*

HELCO Note)
4
4(d)(f) 

Form of HECO Junior Indenture with The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee, to be used in connection with the issuance of HECO QUIDS.*

4(e) 

Form of QUIPS for issuance by HECO Capital Trust III (included in Exhibit 4(c)).*

Officers’ Certificate Pursuant to the MECO Indenture (including form of MECO Note)
5
4(f)(a) 

Form of QUIDS for issuance by HECO (included in Exhibit 4(d)).*

4(g) 

Form of Trust Guarantee Agreement between The Bank of New York, as Trust Guarantee Trustee, and HECO.*

4(h)

Form of Subsidiary Junior Indenture with The Bank of New York, as Trustee, to be used in connection with issuance of MECO QUIDS and HELCO QUIDS and related Subsidiary Guarantee (including the form of QUIDS for issuance by MECO and HELCO).*

4(i)

Form of Expense Agreement among HECO Capital Trust III, HECO, MECO and HELCO.*

5(a)

Opinion of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP.*

LLP
5
5(b)(b) 

Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.*

5(c) 

Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP.*

Shaw Pittman LLP
*
812 

Tax Opinion of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP.*

12(a) 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.*

Charges
*23
12(b)(a) 

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends.*

23(a) 

Consent of KPMG LLP.**

LLP
23
23(b)(b) 

Consent of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP as to validity opinion (included(to be included in Exhibit 5(a)).*

23
23(c)(c) 

Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. as to validity opinion (includedPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (to be included in Exhibit 5(b)).*

*24
23(d)(a) 

Consent of Goodsill Anderson Quinn and Stifel as to validity opinion (included in Exhibit 8).*

23(e) 

Consent of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP as to opinion re tax matters (included in Exhibit 8).*

24(a)

Power of Attorney for HECO and HECO officers and directors.*

*24
24(b)(b) 

Power of Attorney for HECO Capital Trust III (included in Exhibit 4(b)).*

HELCO
*24
24(c)(c) 

Power of Attorney for MECO and MECO officers and directors.*

*25
24(d)(a) 

Power of Attorney for HELCO and HELCO officers and directors.*

25(a) 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York,National Association, as Property Trustee under the Trust Agreement of HECO Capital Trust III.*

Indenture
*25
25(b)(b) 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York,National Association, as Trust Guarantee Trustee under Trust Guarantee Agreement.*

the HELCO Indenture
*25
25(c)(c) 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York,National Association, as Debenture Trustee under the HECO Junior Indenture.*

MECO Indenture
25(d)*   

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee under the MECO Junior Indenture andFiled with respect to the related HECO Subsidiary Guarantee.*

this registration statement.
25(e)† 

Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of The Bank of New York, as Debenture Trustee under the HELCO Junior Indenture and with respect to the related HECO Subsidiary Guarantee.*


*Previously filed.
**Filed with this Amendment No. 2To be filed by pre-effective amendment to this Registration Statement.registration statement.

II-8