Congressional hearing on Maui’s wildfire and electric provider raises numerous questions, yet provides limited answers.
Lawmakers Seek Answers on Cause of Deadly Maui Wildfire
Lawmakers investigating the cause of last month’s devastating Maui wildfire were left unsatisfied with the lack of information provided during a congressional hearing. The president of Hawaiian Electric, Shelee Kimura, admitted to not having specific details about the power outage caused by downed power lines in Lahaina or the decision to prevent re-energization. However, she promised to provide the committee with the necessary information at a later time. Hawaiian Electric is the sole electricity provider for Maui.
The fire, which claimed the lives of at least 97 people and destroyed over 2,000 buildings, primarily homes, started when strong winds caused a Hawaiian Electric power line to fall, igniting dry brush and grass near a residential area. Although initially contained, the fire reignited later in the day and spread throughout the town.
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Aerial and satellite imagery revealed that the gully where the fire reignited was filled with plants and trash, which, combined with a severe summer drought, created highly flammable conditions. The utility’s right-of-way still had charred foliage over 10 feet high, indicating a lack of maintenance. When questioned about this during the hearing, Kimura emphasized that Hawaiian Electric is only responsible for trimming trees that pose a threat to the power lines, not managing the grass on private property.
Lawmakers pressed Kimura and other utility officials about the origin of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century and the safety and maintenance of the electrical grid in Lahaina. Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia stressed the importance of asking tough questions to uncover the truth.
Testifying at the hearing were Kimura, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission Chair Leodoloff Asuncion Jr., and Hawaii Chief Energy Officer Mark Glick. Kimura revealed that 2,000 wooden power poles had not been tested for issues like termites or rot since 2013. Although she didn’t know the exact locations of these poles, she confirmed that one near the fire’s origin had been assessed in 2022.
Kimura acknowledged that multiple factors contributed to the fire and emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation. The possibility of burying power lines to reduce wildfire risk was also discussed, with Kimura stating that approximately 50% of Hawaii’s power lines are already underground. However, burying lines can be costly and impact rate-payers, a concern raised by Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas.
Andrea Pekelo, a survivor of the fire, expressed frustration with the evasive responses from the utility officials and urged the committee to continue seeking answers. Pekelo and others were trapped in their subdivision during the fire and narrowly escaped with the help of neighbors.
Residents’ efforts to flee Lahaina were hindered by downed power lines and road closures. Some survivors reported being turned away by utility crews and police. Written testimonies from fire victims highlighted the preventable nature of the tragedy and called for immediate action to prevent future fires.
Lawmakers, including Rep. Frank Pallone, warned that a government shutdown could impede the financial assistance needed for Maui’s recovery. The investigation into the cause of the fire and efforts to mitigate future risks are ongoing.
By Rebecca Boone
Why was there a lack of advanced notification about the high winds that led to the delayed decision to shut down the power lines?
Her Hawaiian Electric representatives on why the power lines in the area were not shut down during the strong winds. Kimura explained that it is standard practice to monitor weather conditions and preemptively shut down power lines if necessary. However, due to a lack of advanced notification about the high winds, the decision to shut down the power lines was not made in time to prevent the fire from starting.
Another concern raised by lawmakers was the delayed response in re-energizing the power lines once the fire was contained. They questioned why the decision was made to keep the power lines shut down for an extended period, leading to prolonged power outages for residents. Kimura admitted that the decision-making process regarding power restoration needs improvement and assured the committee that they would address this issue.
During the hearing, lawmakers also inquired about the utility’s overall wildfire prevention and response strategies. Kimura outlined the measures taken by Hawaiian Electric, such as vegetation management and equipment inspections, to minimize the risk of wildfires. However, she acknowledged that there is room for improvement and stated that the company is committed to implementing changes to enhance their wildfire prevention efforts.
Lawmakers expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and commended the first responders for their heroic efforts in battling the wildfire. However, they emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the fire and to ensure that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.
The committee overseeing the congressional hearing called for a follow-up session in the coming weeks to obtain the additional information promised by Hawaiian Electric. They urged the company to be transparent and accountable in their responses, as the lives of many Maui residents have been profoundly affected by this tragedy.
As the investigation into the cause of the Maui wildfire continues, lawmakers are determined to uncover any negligence or shortcomings that may have contributed to the devastating impact of the fire. Their goal is not only to provide justice for the victims but also to prevent such tragedies from occurring again. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for wildfire prevention and response strategies across the country.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Lahaina is grappling with the loss of lives, homes, and the displacement of many residents. Efforts are underway to provide assistance and support to those affected, with various organizations and government agencies offering aid and resources. The resilience and unity of the community are evident as they come together to support one another and rebuild their lives.
While the investigation continues, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including the utility company, lawmakers, and the community, to collaborate and work towards a comprehensive solution that prioritizes public safety and reduces the risk of future wildfires. This devastating event serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures and diligent maintenance to prevent the ignition and spread of wildfires.
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