Hawaiian Electric Company Responds to Maui: Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) rejected the County of Maui’s complaint in a statement on Sunday. It said it had responsibly handled its power lines during the early August fires that killed at least 115 people and destroyed over 2,000 buildings. The power company said that after heavy winds and falling power lines ignited a fire early in the morning on August 8, the lines had been shut off for more than six hours before a more deadly fire broke out in the afternoon.
The County of Maui sued HECO on Thursday. The case claims HECO of “inexcusably keeping their power lines energized” despite a National Weather Service High Wind Watch and Fire Warning. The complaint seeks justice for the fires and stricter maintenance and rules from the firm.
HECO reported that power lines fell between Lahainaluna Road and Hookahua Street at 6:30 a.m., starting the fire. By 9 a.m., the Maui County Fire Department extinguished the fire. The corporation also claims that afternoon repair employees found no fire, smoke, or coals.
The electricity cables to Lahaina were switched off, but a second fire was detected 75 yards off Lahainaluna Road around 3 p.m. Firefighters found the fire out of control and expanding swiftly.
Also Read: Maui Wildfire Disaster Puts Tourism Industry in a Dilemma
President and CEO of HECO Shelee Kimura was outraged that Maui County “rushed to court even before completing its investigation.” Kimura called the county’s lawsuit “factually and legally irresponsible,” he compared it to HECO’s pledge to community resilience and accountability. “The county’s lawsuit could force us to show that it was responsible for what happened that day,” Kimura added.
However, Maui County lawyer John Fiske stated, “The ultimate responsibility rests with HECO to de-energize, make sure its equipment and systems are properly maintained, and make sure downed power lines are not energized.” Fiske asked HECO whether it knew of a second fire fuel source.
Conspiracy theories on social media have increased stress and confusion as investigations continue.
Both sides say they want to improve future event safety as the court dispute continues. HECO’s Kimura discussed what we may learn from the catastrophe, especially as climate change worsens worldwide. Kimura added, “We are determined to figure out what we need to do to keep our communities safe,” and requested assistance with urgent issues.
The lawsuit and probes may be a key test case for power corporations’ climate change-related disaster liability. Both sides haven’t presented all their data, but Maui’s events highlight how destructive natural disasters can be and how difficult it is to run critical infrastructure.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Hawaiian Electric responsible for Maui fire?
On the morning of August 8th, a fire broke out and Hawaiian Electric has taken responsibility for it. They have stated that their equipment was the cause of the fire, which occurred before their lines were de-energized.
What is the lawsuit against Maui Electric Company?
Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Co., claiming that their negligence caused the deadliest wildfire in the United States in the last century. The fires in Lahaina and Kula resulted in an estimated $5.5 billion in damages for the county, and they believe that the tragedy could have been avoided.
Is Maui Electric and Hawaiian Electric the same company?
In 1964, Hana Light & Power merged with Maui Electric, which later acquired Lahaina Light & Power from Pioneer Mill in 1967, thus becoming a utility provider for the entire island. Maui Electric then joined forces with Hawaiian Electric Company in 1968.
Who owns Maui Electric Company in Hawaii?
HECO’s island expansion began with the acquisition of Maui Electric Company in 1968, followed by Hilo Electric Light Company in 1970. The company continued to expand its reach, acquiring the Lanai City power plant on Lana’i in 1988 and Molokai Electric Company on Moloka’i in 1989. Today, Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. remains a key player in the energy industry across the Hawaiian Islands.