In the aftermath of devastating fires that led to the loss of over 100 lives on Maui, the island’s county officials have filed a lawsuit against the Hawaiian Electric Company.
They claim the power utility’s alleged negligence in shutting down power lines during high-risk conditions played a significant role in the disaster, according to The Hill.
The lawsuit contends that the Hawaiian Electric Company should have known “to properly maintain and repair the electric transmission lines, and other equipment including utility poles associated with their transmission of electricity, and to keep vegetation properly trimmed and maintained so as to prevent contact with overhead power lines and other electric equipment.”
This alleged oversight, especially during the hazardous conditions posed by high winds from a nearby hurricane and existing droughts on the island, could have heightened the risk of fires originating from toppled lines.
County representatives emphasized that de-energizing power, a step taken by several other utility companies during times of heightened fire and wind risks, might have “easily” averted the “severe and catastrophic losses.”
Eyewitnesses have reported observing sparks emanating from the power lines knocked down by the intense winds, which they believe were the ignition points for the fires.
These fires are considered the deadliest in the nation over the past 100 years, taking 115 lives with roughly 400 individuals still unaccounted for.
In response to the lawsuit, the power utility company expressed its dismay, saying it’s “very disappointed that Maui County chose this litigious path while the investigation is still unfolding.”
The company emphasized its commitment to the island, noting, “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County.”
In addition to the county’s legal action, a section of Maui’s residents has initiated a separate lawsuit, leveling similar allegations against the Hawaiian Electric Company, The Hill notes.
Furthermore, the firm’s investors have filed a lawsuit, accusing the company of not being forthright about the inadequacy of its wildfire protection measures.
As a result of these events and the ensuing public scrutiny, the company has experienced an 18% decline in its stock value since the onset of the fires earlier in the month.
The economic and infrastructural impact on Maui has been staggering.
The fires obliterated almost the entire town of Lahaina, leading to federal disaster aid being funneled into the island.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approximates the damages to be in excess of $5.5 billion.
