Maui County sues Hawaiian Electric over failure to shut off power lines despite warnings

Maui County in Hawaii has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Co., claiming that the company's failure to shut off power despite warnings of potential fires caused the destructive wildfires that destroyed Lahaina. The county seeks damages and compensation for the destruction of public property and infrastructure.

nbcnews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

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.

8/25/2023

Maui Alleges Hawaiian Electric Caused Lahaina Wildfire

Maui accuses Hawaiian Electric of causing the Lahaina wildfire.

8/26/2023

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.

8/28/2023

Hawaiian Electric calls Maui county's wildfire lawsuit 'irresponsible'

Hawaiian Electric's shares surged 30.2% after the company called the lawsuit filed against it by the county of Maui "factually and legally irresponsible," blaming the county for the Hawaii wildfires.

8/30/2023

SHAREHOLDER ALERT: The Gross Law Firm Notifies Shareholders of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. of a Class Action Lawsuit and a Lead Plaintiff Deadline of October 23, 2023 – (NYSE: HE)

The Gross Law Firm issues a notice to shareholders of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc., encouraging them to contact the firm regarding a possible lead plaintiff appointment in a class action lawsuit alleging that the company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires, leading to materially false and misleading statements.