Investigation into Maui wildfires and HECO's role sparks congressional hearing

Hawaii energy and utility officials faced questioning from House members regarding the cause and prevention of the deadly Maui wildfires that claimed at least 97 lives and destroyed numerous homes and businesses. The President & CEO of Hawaiian Electric, Shelee Kimura, stated that power lines falling in high winds caused the initial fire, while the cause of the subsequent blaze that devastated Lahaina remains undetermined. The committee raised concerns about the company's protocols for shutting off power lines during extreme weather conditions and questioned actions taken to mitigate wildfire threats. Hawaiian Electric is now facing lawsuits alleging negligence for failing to de-energize their equipment despite a red flag warning.