HECO's Negligence and Lawsuits: The Aftermath of Maui's Deadly Fires

Bare, uninsulated electrical wires and leaning power poles owned by Hawaiian Electric Co. are being investigated as possible causes of the deadly wildfires in Maui. Videos and images analyzed by The Associated Press confirmed that the wires were left exposed to the weather and foliage, despite efforts by other utilities in wildfire-prone areas to cover or bury their lines. Many of the utility's wooden power poles were also described as being in poor condition and not meeting safety standards. Hawaiian Electric is now facing lawsuits and criticism for its lack of action in preventing the fires. Other utilities in California have been addressing the issue by insulating wires and burying lines in high-risk areas.