Residents in Maui filed multiple lawsuits against Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiary, Maui Electric Company, alleging negligence in handling power lines during the recent wildfires that devastated Lahaina. The suits claim that the utility had prior knowledge of the island’s fire risk and high winds but failed to take adequate preventive measures, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The plaintiffs seek damages for property loss, while officials continue to investigate the fires, which have already claimed numerous lives and destroyed thousands of buildings. Hawaiian Electric has expressed willingness to cooperate with investigations.
