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

Maui County, Hawaii, on Thursday sued Hawaiian Electric Co., alleging its failure to shut off power despite repeated warnings of the potential for devastating fires ignited the wind-swept flames that destroyed Lahaina this month.

Maui County, Hawaii, on Thursday sued Hawaiian Electric Co., alleging its failure to shut off power despite repeated warnings of the potential for devastating fires ignited the wind-swept flames that destroyed Lahaina this month.

The county is seeking damages and “just compensation” against Hawaiian Electric and three related companies, accusing them of negligence, according to the suit filed in the state's Second Circuit Court.

The county seeks compensation for the destruction of public property and infrastructure and natural resources, the suit said.

Hawaiian Electric and another company named as a defendant were cautioned that strong winds could affect power lines and spread fires quickly, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit says that on Aug. 6, two days before the destructive wildfires, the National Weather Service warned that high winds combined with dry conditions from passing Hurricane Dora to the south posed a serious fire threat.