Investigation Focuses on Hawaiian Electric’s Role in Lahaina Fire
In the aftermath of the devastating fire that consumed the town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii, attention has turned to the power utility, Hawaiian Electric, and whether it took sufficient measures to prevent a wildfire in the high winds that swept over the region. Lawyers representing Lahaina residents who are suing the utility argue that its power equipment was not strong enough to withstand the strong winds, and that the company should have shut down power before the winds arrived. Wildfire experts who have studied similar fires in California also find fault in Hawaiian Electric’s actions.
While officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire that claimed the lives of at least 99 people, the conditions leading up to the blaze resembled those that have ignited wildfires elsewhere in the country: dry brush, high winds, and aging infrastructure. Many wildfires in the US are caused by power lines or utility structures being blown down or objects such as branches landing on power lines, which can create high-energy flashes of electricity that start fires. As a result, utilities in California and other states have implemented power shutdowns in recent years in anticipation of strong winds.
The National Weather Service had predicted winds of up to 45 miles per hour with gusts of 60 miles per hour for last Tuesday, conditions that were further intensified by Hurricane Dora passing south of the island. Lawyers representing Lahaina residents argue that Hawaiian Electric violated regulatory laws regarding equipment maintenance, and are seeking accountability for the fire. Several law firms filed lawsuits against Hawaiian Electric in a Hawaiian state court on Monday.
Shares in Hawaiian Electric plunged on Monday, indicating investor concerns over potential large payouts to homeowners and businesses affected by the fire, as well as the company’s need to allocate significant funds to fireproof its operations. Analysts estimate that Hawaiian Electric’s liability from the fire could exceed $4 billion, a substantial figure considering the company had $314 million in cash at the end of June.
Hawaiian Electric’s Chief Executive, Shelee Kimura, defended the company’s actions at a news conference on Monday, arguing that shutting down the power could have had adverse effects on individuals using medical equipment dependent on electricity and would have required coordination with emergency workers who needed electricity to power essential services. She emphasized the difficult choices that needed to be made during such a crisis.
The fire in Lahaina resulted in significant damage, including over 2,000 structures destroyed or damaged, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pacific Disaster Center. The estimated cost to rebuild is approximately $5.52 billion. The company Whisker Labs, which monitors the electrical grid for potential fire hazards, reported significant faults or major incidents on power lines near the area where the fire is believed to have originated. The data showed power lines losing voltage, possibly due to vegetation interfering with the wires or equipment malfunctions.
While the cause of the Lahaina fire remains under investigation, the possibility that power lines played a role is being considered. Ken Pimlott, the former chief of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, believes this is a plausible explanation. He drew parallels between the Lahaina fire and the 2017 Tubbs fire in California, which was caused by private electrical equipment. The attorney general of Hawaii, Anne Lopez, has announced a comprehensive review of critical decision-making and policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaii islands.
Critics argue that Hawaiian Electric had sufficient time to shut down the power before the high winds arrived. The company had taken precautionary measures, such as turning off reclosers before the winds hit, but critics contend that these actions were insufficient. Hawaiian Electric had detailed plans in a regulatory filing last year to reduce the risk of its equipment causing fires, including “hardening” poles and cutting back vegetation in priority areas like Lahaina. However, implementing such measures can be time-consuming and costly. Burying power lines, for example, can cost millions of dollars per mile.
The investigation into the Lahaina fire and Hawaiian Electric’s role is ongoing, with experts emphasizing the need for accountable and proactive measures to prevent future wildfires.