As investigators delve into the tragic Maui wildfires that claimed the lives of 93 individuals, a spotlight has turned toward Hawaiian Electric amid claims that their damaged equipment played a role in sparking the deadly blaze. Lawyers from Watts Guerra, Singleton Schreiber, and Frantz Law Group firms are united in their assertion that evidence points to Hawaiian Electric’s equipment as the ignition source for the devastating fire that engulfed Lahaina.
Mikal Watts, representing Watts Guerra, emphasized that multiple forms of evidence, including videos, witness accounts, and the progression of the fire, converge to point the finger at Hawaiian Electric’s equipment. The fire wreaked havoc in Lahaina, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The three law firms’ investigations all appear to have led to a common conclusion – that the damaged infrastructure owned by the electric company was a contributing factor to the fire’s ignition.
Hawaiian Electric, which serves a substantial majority of the state’s population, has stated that it has yet to pinpoint the exact cause of the fires due to the extensive damage and ongoing investigations. The company’s decision not to shut off power to its Maui Electric branch despite warnings of hazardous fire conditions has garnered significant criticism. Comparable utility companies in other states had chosen to cut power during similar conditions in response to the devastating wildfires of 2020.
The Maui wildfires have resulted in massive destruction, with at least 2,200 buildings damaged or destroyed in west Maui alone. The total damage estimate approaches a staggering $6 billion, with the majority of the affected structures being residential. Amidst this chaos, the investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, as officials strive to bring clarity to the tragedy.
As Lahaina residents navigate the aftermath, tales of heroism and devastation emerge. The fire’s intensity forced some residents to seek refuge in the ocean to escape the flames. FEMA and the Pacific Disaster Center have noted that thousands have lost their homes, leaving them in need of shelter. With the death toll surpassing even the infamous 2018 Camp Fire in northern California, Maui is grappling with the enormous scale of the disaster. As authorities continue to search the scorched landscape for answers and the possibility of more casualties, the community bands together to rebuild amid the ruins.