Maui County, Hawaii, on Thursday sued Hawaiian Electric Co., alleging its failure to shut off power despite repeated warnings of the potential for devastating fires ignited the wind-swept flames that destroyed Lahaina this month.
The county is seeking damages and “just compensation” against Hawaiian Electric and three related companies, accusing them of negligence, according to the suit filed in the state’s Second Circuit Court.
The county seeks compensation for the destruction of public property and infrastructure and natural resources, the suit said.