Maui County sues electric firm for Lahaina wildfire negligence.
Maui County Files Lawsuit Against Hawaiian Electric for Negligence in Lahaina Wildfires
Maui County has taken legal action against Hawaiian Electric, holding them responsible for the devastating Lahaina wildfires. The lawsuit, filed in the Second Circuit Court in Hawaii, accuses the utility company of negligence by failing to turn off their electrical equipment despite severe weather conditions.
The suit claims that Hawaiian Electric did not properly maintain and repair their electric transmission lines, utility poles, and other equipment associated with the transmission of electricity. Additionally, they failed to keep vegetation adequately trimmed and maintained to prevent contact with overhead power lines and other electric equipment.
According to attorneys, fallen energized power lines ignited dry fuel such as grass and brush, resulting in the fires that broke out on Aug. 8. Tragically, these fires claimed the lives of at least 115 people and destroyed over 2,200 structures.
The lawsuit also highlights other utility companies, such as Southern California Edison Company, Pacific Gas & Electric, and San Diego Gas & Electric, as examples of entities with proper shut-off plans that effectively prevented damages and saved lives. It emphasizes that Hawaiian Electric should have followed suit.
Hawaiian Electric defended itself during a recent press conference, stating that unlike California, Oregon, and Nevada, the state of Hawaii does not have a formal shut-off plan in place.
On Aug. 12, residents of Lahaina filed a class action lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, holding them accountable for keeping the power lines on as the fires broke out.
The Lahaina and Kula communities suffered significant economic damage due to the fires, estimated to be between $4 billion and $6 billion, according to Moody’s RMS, a risk modeling and solutions company.
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