Hawaiian Electric’s Liability Insurance Coverage Is Key Question

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission initiated a sweeping inquiry of Hawaiian Electric Co. this week, and, among other things, ordered the utility to reveal by Monday any liability insurance the company has available to cover legal claims related to the Aug. 8 fires on Maui.

The fires killed at least 115 people and destroyed 2,200 structures in Lahaina, with estimated damage of more than $3 billion.

Hawaiian Electric faces dozens of lawsuits alleging the company’s downed power lines ignited the fires, and plaintiffs lawyers have been left to guess how much money would be available for victims if the company is found liable. The suits involve property and personal injury claims.