Hawaiian Electric Issues Statement Regarding Maui Fire Department Report on August 2023 Wildfires
The fires in
We appreciate the commitment by the
On
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A fire reported at about
6:35 a.m. was caused byHawaiian Electric equipment that was damaged by high winds. -
The Maui County Fire Department responded to this small fire, reported it was “100% contained,” declared it had been “extinguished,” and then left the scene. -
An afternoon fire began in the same area shortly after their departure and spread to
Lahaina .
The report also concluded that the afternoon fire was a reignition of the morning fire.
We deeply regret that our operations contributed to the fire that ignited in the morning. Confronted by an extraordinary weather event and a chaotic situation, our employees brought their best efforts to their jobs, as they do every day.
We have looked closely at our protocols and actions that day and have made many changes in our operations and resilience strategies to ensure we fulfill our commitment to keep the public safe, especially in extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
Consistent with the previous reports published by the
As stated in the
Wildfires are a statewide and emerging national problem whose causes are rooted in climate change, history and land management. Reducing the risk will require an all-hands approach.
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As part of our Wildfire Safety Strategy and broader resilience efforts,
Hawaiian Electric is making more than$110 million in investments in 2024 to strengthen electric infrastructure against extreme weather conditions, implement enhanced vegetation management that falls under the utility’s purview and deploy devices to help prevent wildfires. -
On
July 1, 2024 , the company launched its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, which may be used as a last line of defense to help prevent utility-related wildfires. In standing up the PSPS program,Hawaiian Electric has seen that coordination with critical service providers and emergency responders and providing advance notice to the public are essential elements to ensure public safety. -
Hawaiian Electric is installing 78 AI-enabled fire detection cameras and 52 weather stations and sharing data and access with fire departments and other agencies.
As a 132-year-old company and family of employees deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi, we are committed to being here for
As we move forward, we will continue to work together to strengthen our state’s infrastructure and identify solutions to keep our communities safe as extreme weather events intensify in Hawaiʻi and across the country.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241002616404/en/
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808.543.4915
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