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.

cnn.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.

8/25/2023

Maui Alleges Hawaiian Electric Caused Lahaina Wildfire

Maui accuses Hawaiian Electric of causing the Lahaina wildfire.

8/26/2023

Bare electrical wire and poles in need of replacement on Maui were little match for strong winds

The Maui fires were caused by bare, uninsulated power lines and deteriorating wooden power poles that did not meet safety standards, leaving the infrastructure compromised and vulnerable to high winds and sparking, according to videos and images analyzed by The Associated Press.

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.