Maui's outdated bare electrical wires and leaning poles caused...

The Maui fires were caused by bare and uninsulated power lines left by Hawaiian Electric Co., which failed to cover up or bury their lines like other utilities in wildfire- and hurricane-prone areas, resulting in a spate of lawsuits and criticism of the utility's negligence.

nypost.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

UPDATE 1-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 the company's likely inconsistent access to capital markets following the Maui wildfires, which may result in adverse developments regarding its debt service capacity.

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.

8/30/2023

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.

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.