Maui County sues utility and affiliates for deadly wildfires.
The Largest County on Maui Island Sues Public Utility for Negligence
The largest county on the Hawaiian island of Maui is taking legal action against the state’s public utility, alleging ”gross negligence” that led to devastating wildfires. These fires claimed the lives of at least 115 people and caused extensive damage to thousands of buildings and homes.
Maui County filed a civil lawsuit on Aug. 24 in the Second Circuit Court against Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) and its affiliates, Maui Electric Co. (MEC), Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO), and Hawaiian Electric Light Co. (HELCO).
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of failing to shut down power lines despite “red flag” warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and neglecting proper equipment maintenance.
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The 56-page document states, “Had the defendants heeded the NWS warnings and de-energized their power lines during the predicted high-wind gusts, the destruction could have been avoided.”
The lawsuit argues that a combination of high winds caused by Hurricane Dora, dry conditions, and an aging power infrastructure led to three destructive wildfires on Maui in early August.
The Lahaina Fire, which started on Aug. 8, was the most devastating, resulting in the loss of at least 115 lives and the destruction of 2,200 buildings. The Kula Fire and the Olinda Fire also caused significant damage.
The suit accuses the defendants of “inexcusably” energizing power lines during high-fire danger conditions.
Maui County aims to recover damages for public resources, including infrastructure losses, fire response costs, revenue losses, increased expenses, environmental damages, and the loss of historical or cultural landmarks.
Weather Warning and Cost of Rebuilding
In early August, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings to MECO and HECO about damaging winds and the potential for rapid fire spread. The estimated cost to rebuild and restore the damage caused by the Lahaina Fire is around $5 billion.
The lawsuit claims that Maui County suffered property losses, lost tax revenues, and other significant damages.
Hawaiian Electric Industries, the parent company of HECO, MECO, and HELCO, serves approximately 95 percent of Hawaii, including Maui County.
The lawsuit highlights the defendants’ ownership of thousands of miles of electrical transmission and distribution lines, with 40 percent underground, and HELCO’s ownership of 50,000 utility poles.
‘Duty’ to Maintain Equipment
The defendants had a responsibility to maintain and repair utility poles and power lines, including vegetation trimming, to ensure safety under all circumstances. Failure to do so is considered negligence and poses a serious risk to the public.
The suit emphasizes that the defendants were aware of the vulnerability of overhead power lines to adverse weather conditions and the likelihood of contact with surrounding vegetation.
These alleged failures contributed to the ignition and rapid spread of the Maui fires, endangering lives and causing extensive destruction.
Tragic Losses and Ongoing Risks
Many Lahaina residents tragically lost their lives while attempting to escape the advancing wildfire, trapped in their vehicles.
Maui County’s lawsuit seeks justice for the devastating consequences of the wildfires and aims to hold the defendants accountable for their alleged negligence.
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