Power Supply Off For Hours When Second Fire Broke In Maui, Says Electric Firm; Probe On Wildfire Cause Still Ongoing

The Hawaiian Electric has insisted that power supply has been shutdown for hours when the second fire broke out in Maui.

(Photo : Getty Images/Mandel Ngan)

In response to the lawsuits lodged against the electric company, the Hawaiian Electric noted that the complaint was irresponsibly filed.

According to Hawaiian Electric President Shelee Kimura, the power lines in West Maui had been de-energized for more than six hours when the second flame had struck the area.

Hawaiian Electric side

Kimura has admitted that the first flame was likely caused by its power lines, but it noted that the source of the second fire has not been determined yet by authorities.

Kimura mentioned that the firm was surprised and disappointed that the County of Maui rushed to court even before completing its own investigation.

The County of Maui had lodged complaints against the Hawaiian Electric company over the massive fires that brought massive damage in Lahaina, claiming that the power utility had negligently failed to shut off power despite the occurrence of powerful winds and dry conditions prior to the flames.

Authorities from the County of Maui alleged that the power lines gravely contributed in the wildfires, which destroyed the historic town of Lahaina.

The massive blaze had claimed the lives of at least 115 individuals and displaced thousands of residents.

In a previous statement posted in its website, the Hawaiian Electric said it is a company of Hawaii, for Hawaii, and Maui is part of its ohana.

"When ohana needs you, you show up. We are not spectators or detached observers. This is us. We are thousands of people across five islands who call Hawaii our home, including many personally impacted by the windstorm and fires. We are here for Maui and its people however long it takes," the company said.

"The restoration efforts underway are personal to us. In the days and weeks to come, Hawaiian Electric will continue to be here in full force with hundreds of dedicated employees and partners from Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Molokai, Lanai, and beyond," it added.

Upcounty fires

When it comes to the containment of fires, the Maui Fire Department (MFD) has advised the public that complete extinguishment for Upcountry fires could take an extended period of time given the large burn area and the nature of the rural terrain.

It noted that containment percentages in various areas have not changed in the past days as firefighting personnel continue to reassure the public that there are no active threats among the three ongoing flames.

The death toll remains at 115 with 99% of Lahaina disaster area searched by cadaver dogs.

Authorities said that at present, there is no list allowing residents to return to the disaster area in Lahaina. They assured the public that there would be a coordinated effort to develop a plan for the safe return of residents.

So far, the disaster area is restricted to authorized personnel only.

Officials continue to seek the help of residents in identifying individuals reported unaccounted following the Lahaina wildfire disaster.

They said that the validated list of names is available at mauinuistrong.info/unaccountedfor.

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