However, the residents near the Lahainaluna substation and Maui officials who filed the lawsuit contradict Hawaiian Electric’s claims. They argue that it was the earlier fire that caused the destruction, not the subsequent one. In addition, an interview with the Maui fire chief suggests that the utility’s power lines may have indeed been the cause of the fire that burned Lahaina.
Hawaiian Electric, in its statement, places blame on the fire department’s incompetence for the destruction of Lahaina, denying any negligence on their part.
These allegations against Hawaiian Electric come at a time when the company is facing financial troubles and potential bankruptcy due to the wildfire. Investors have responded positively to the company’s stance on fighting the Maui allegations, leading to a 30% increase in the stock price.
Wells Fargo, however, warns that bankruptcy reorganization may be the company’s most likely path given its financial woes and the lawsuits it now faces.
Despite the challenges, Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura expresses disappointment in the county’s decision to file a lawsuit before completing its own investigation. The company believes that the complaint is baseless and may force them to prove their innocence in court.
Hawaiian Electric asserts that there was no electricity flowing on the West Maui coast when the fire occurred, and they have provided records to federal investigators to support this claim. They state that any small fire caused by their lines was fully contained by the fire department.
The company explains that their crews were repairing lines when they noticed another fire had started in the same location. They promptly called 911, but their power lines had already been de-energized for over six hours at that point.
John Fiske, an attorney for the county, argues that the responsibility lies with Hawaiian Electric to ensure the safety of their equipment and systems and prevent re-energizing downed power lines.
The lawsuit filed by the county alleges that the fire in Lahaina was caused by Hawaiian Electric’s power lines and accuses the company of acting recklessly in the face of extreme weather warnings.
The lawsuit also highlights the absence of an automated system to shut off power lines during high fire risk, a measure that other utilities in wildfire-prone areas have implemented.
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