Bare and uninsulated power lines were possible cause of Hawaii wildfires

The Maui fires that caused the deadliest US wildfire in over a century were exacerbated by bare, uninsulated power lines and poor-quality power poles that did not meet safety standards, leading to a spate of lawsuits against Hawaiian Electric.

theguardian.com

Relevant topic timeline:

8/23/2023

Hawaii's economic toll from wildfires is up to $6 billion, Moody's estimates

Wildfires in Maui, Hawaii have caused an estimated $4 billion to $6 billion in losses for the local economy, including damage to insured properties and business interruptions, with rebuilding costs predicted to exceed $5.5 billion.

8/24/2023

Maui utility may have compromised evidence in probe of deadly fire, lawyers say

The Hawaii power utility, Hawaiian Electric, may have removed crucial evidence from the scene of the deadly Lahaina fire, potentially impeding the official investigation into the blaze's cause.

8/24/2023

Maui government files lawsuit, accuses Hawaiian electric company of causing Lahaina wildfires

Maui County has filed a lawsuit against the Hawaiian Electric Company, claiming that the utility company's negligence in keeping power lines energized during high wind conditions caused the devastating wildfires that killed over 100 people and burned thousands of acres of land.

8/25/2023

Maui Alleges Hawaiian Electric Caused Lahaina Wildfire

Maui accuses Hawaiian Electric of causing the Lahaina wildfire.

8/25/2023

S&P downgrades Hawaiian Electric to 'B-' as wildfires raise market-access worries

S&P Global Ratings has downgraded Hawaiian Electric Industries and its subsidiaries due to likely inconsistent access to the capital markets following the recent Maui wildfires, with potential damages exceeding initial assessments by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency.

8/26/2023

Fact Check Team: Maui government, residents sue Hawaiian power company over alleged involv

A devastating wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii has caused widespread destruction.

8/29/2023

Hawaiian Electric says power lines sparked fire but firefighters fell short

Maui county firefighters are blamed for leaving the scene of a wildfire prematurely, allowing a second, more deadly wildfire to break out, despite Hawaii's electric utility admitting that its power lines caused the initial fire.

9/10/2023

Historic Disasters Fuel Insurance Woes, Leaving Homeowners With Soaring Costs and Shrinking Coverage

Deadly wildfires in Hawaii and a historic hurricane in Florida have caused significant damage and brought insurance risks to homeowners' attention, leading insurers to reconsider their risk exposure and potentially leave certain markets, creating an affordability crisis for insurance.