ClearHealthLife provides the most comprehensive coverage in the world about the catastrophic Lahaina wildfires and compares to current battles raging around Los Angeles at this time. Over 40,000+ published words in hours of reporting detail how corrupt corporate and public officials in Hawai’i failed citizens in the islands. Hawaiian Electric executives deflected blame to others.
UPDATE 12.21.25: Lahaina Wildfire Survivors STILL DENIED Payments
HNN: … Maui wildfire survivors will not receive payments from the multi-billion-dollar settlement before the end of the year, attorneys confirmed during the final court hearing of 2025. (REALITY: If insurers lose subrogation rights, they will have to sue individual fire victims.)
Judge Peter Cahill pushed to distribute paychecks to survivors this year, but insurance companies still believe they deserve part of the $4 billion settlement. Hawai’i Supreme Court will hear arguments on this issue next month, and until then, payments remain on hold. Hawaii Supreme Court will also hear arguments regarding the insurance companies fighting the class-action lawsuit on January 27th.
Checks won’t go out to survivors until (unless) the high court makes a decision (gutting the insurers, and it is not appealed to SCOTUS). (CLUE: State Supreme Court decisions can only be appealed directly to the US Supreme Court.)
UPDATE 12.15.25: Deadline Approaches. Fight Continues in CORRUPT Hawai’i.
Governor Josh Green and his team cheated insurers. First checks supposed to go out to survivors before end of the year, but there appears to be some holdups. Insurance companies have been DENIED their subrogation rights. Attorneys for insurance companies said their clients have paid billions of dollars in claims, and they believe they have rights to the settlement as well. [see more]
DOWNLOAD: September 26, 2024 motion: dozens of insurance companies who paid billions of dollars in Maui Fire claims are requesting to intervene in a fire-related Federal Class Action suit being heard before Judge Jill Otake. (Case 1:24-cv-00259-JAO-WRP)
Insurance company attorneys point out that “(State Judiciary) ‘global resolution settlement proceedings’ are a mere euphemism for a process that seeks to destroy the Subrogation Plaintiffs’ legal rights.” The State Judiciary can be counted on to twist the law to serve KSBE and HECO. The Federal Judiciary doesn’t even know who they are. SEE: Hence the mafia slogan, ‘Defend Hawaii.’
Even though the proposed class definition excludes subrogation claims, the proposed resolution of this class action proceeding now seeks to resolve and release all of the Subrogation Plaintiffs’ claims without their consent. On August 2, 2024, the tortfeasor Defendants — the parties who actually caused the Fire — and the proposed interim class leadership announced a “global settlement” which excludes Subrogation Plaintiffs from any recovery.
That tactic has been explicitly disallowed by controlling Hawaiʻi law, which provides “[w]here the insurer’s subrogation right clashes with the tortfeasor’s contractual release right, the insurer’s subrogation right will prevail[.]”
UPDATE 10.8.25: Man Arrested For Igniting Wildfire That Leveled LA Neighborhood
Different from Lahaina, where fire ignited due to faulty HECO power poles and downed power lines, 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht is accused of lighting the fire on New Year’s Day that destroyed the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. The initial blaze reignited on Jan. 7, 2025, and killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes.
UPDATE 9.25.25: Kamehameha Schools FORCED to SELL LAND to PAY Lahaina Victims
Founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, Michael Dell, purchased 491 acres of land on Hawai’i Island. Sale occurred late August for an estimated $400 million. Purchase involved land on Kona coastline underneath Four Seasons Hualalai Resort and golf course. Dell owned the resort but had been leasing the land for nearly 20 years from Kamehameha Schools.
Kamehameha School Trustees fucked up Lahaina — just as KSBE admission policy unlawfully discriminates today. HECO was negligent with their power lines. KSBE failed to properly care for land they managed. Together, their negligence incinerated Lahaina town, Aug 8, 2023. KSBE has to pay nearly a billion ($872.5 million) dollars in damages to victims of the wildfire. HECO had to sell American Savings Bank. KSBE received $400 million for the land, which will now go to victims of the Lahaina disaster. These Hawaiian Lands are now in American Hands.
For more about Kamehameha Schools UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION, see:
Kamehameha Schools Suck
UPDATE 8.26.25: Lahaina Burn Zone NOT SAFE
Researchers with the University of Hawaiʻi’s Maui Wildfire Exposure Study say preliminary results of urine tests from more than 1,200 fire survivors suggest the burn zone may still be contaminated with heavy metals associated with heart, lung and mental health issues, as well as an increased risk of developing cancer.
“I’m not surprised at all that the people who have been exposed more are having more problems,” Balmes said. “There is still ash that comes down from the smoke. I’m sure there’s been an effort made to clean the burn area, but can you get every single bit of soil that might contain toxic materials? … You could never say that it’s 100%” cleared of toxins. There will be lawsuits for decades. HECO caused all these problems. Ratepayers and taxpayers now will pay, while HECO CEO Shelee Kimura received raises. Governor Green protects his friends at Hawaiian Electric.
“There’s a lack of trust with certain government agencies,” Damion Emeson said. “It’s not their families that are living there.” Government didn’t ignite the fire. Negligent HECO executives failed to protect the public. People in Hawai’i blame government. Kooks!
UPDATE 8.10.25: Governor Josh Green ABANDONED Lahaina Victims
TWO YEARS, brah!!! Throughout Lahaina, 50 homes have been rebuilt to date and 280 are under construction, according to Maui County and StarAd. There were some 3,300+ homes and buildings destroyed. Victims have not yet received settlement money! Officials have huge pot of $$$$. They won’t part with their gold to help desperate families. Governor Josh Green abandoned victims; now wants to run for president in 2028. Unbelievable!
UPDATE: 8.8.25: August 8, 2023: A DATE that will live in Infamy
August 8, 2018, was the date I relocated to O’ahu from my home on Kaua’i to serve Hawaiian Electric Company. Within months, as a professional senior business and government analyst, I warned residents about BAD management at HECO. On August 8, 2023, faulty HECO equipment and incompetent HECO executives caused the biblical incineration of the charming, mostly Filipino, westside community of Lahaina — leaving at least 102+ human beings, including keiki dead, some 3,300+ homes and small businesses destroyed, and over 10,000+ victims in chaos.
Governor Josh Green was not on island, although the National Weather Service warned of extreme weather. In the aftermath of the tragic disaster, Governor Josh Green delayed FEMA prefabricated homes and trailers, reportedly because they were not attractive. Families in need of shelter bounced between hotel rooms, to the beach, to couches and spare rooms of friends, or even in cars. Two years later, only a small fraction of victims are resettled, and the crisis still isn’t over for most. Suicides and overdose deaths have skyrocketed 97% on Maui.
Now, two years post disaster, CivilBeat reports that none of the former tourist district’s businesses have been rebuilt. Only 45 residential structures had been rebuilt as of Wednesday, representing only 2% of the homes lost in the fire. Victims still have not received compensation from the $4 BILLION legal settlement — although allegedly funds were deposited the within the first year — now, maybe by the end of this year — who knows?
However, the amount of relief remains a mystery. County water and sewer systems are back online, but the rebuilding process lags far behind, due to permitting logjams, labor and building supply shortages, and most of all, the MONEY needed to move forward. Josh Green remains incapable of getting funds into the hands of victims.
Governor Josh Green protected HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, who was at the helm the day of the fire. Mainland power companies learned in 2018 to shut off power — de-energize power lines — in strong winds. Kimura wasn’t proficient in public safety concerns. HECO failed to protect the residents they serve.
Governor Josh Green did not demand the resignation of CEO Kimura. Both Josh and Shelee are snug and cozy in their deluxe and luxurious plantation homes. HECO execs donated generously to Josh’s gubernatorial campaign, Shelee even received lucrative raises in salary and compensation since the terrific calamity. The rich are rewarded in Hawai’i, even when they fail.
The people remain dazed, confused and traumatized and have no idea how they will survive the incompetence of our officials and privileged elites in charge, and Josh Green has the audacity to suggest running for president of the United States.
UPDATE 8.7.25: Lahaina Wildfire Triggered Suicides and Overdose Deaths
Tomorrow will be the second observation of the horrific wildfire of biblical proportion that incinerated the dominant Filipino community of Lahaina, 8.8.23. At least 102+ human beings, including keiki were lost, over 3,300+ homes and buildings destroyed, and some 10,000+ residents victimized. Most are still homeless.
Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) was found fully responsible for igniting the fires. CEO Shelee Kimura refused to resign, and instead received raises. Governor Josh Green protect HECO and Hawaiian Electric Industries executives who had donated to his gubernatorial campaign, cheated national insurers out of subrogation rights to recover nearly $3 billion in losses, and now suggests he will run for president in 2028.
StarAd reports that a a study published yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association found suicides and overdose deaths skyrocketed 97% on Maui immediately after the wildfires, and simultaneously spiked 46% statewide. Researchers concluded statewide deaths increased due to survivors who moved away from Maui or possibly from grieving family and friends with Maui roots.
UPDATE 7.31.25: HECO Issues RED FLAG Warning of Possible Power Shut Offs
Day late; dollar short HECO failed to prepare to shut off power when National Weather Service warned August 6, 2023, of extreme high winds that would knock down energized power lines. As a result, incompetent HECO CEO Shelee Kimura triggered the greatest human-caused disaster in Hawai’i history on August 8, 2023. Billions of dollars in loses. Unacceptable loss of life.
Some 102+ human beings, including keiki, were incinerated; over 2,000+ homes, dwellings and small businesses destroyed; and over 10,000+ residents left homeless, houseless and victimized by the cruelty of privileged HECO and Hawaiian Electric Industry executive management. Nobody was fired. Kimura and HEI CEO Scott Seu received raises.
HECO announced today: Public Safety Power Shutoff program is in “watch” condition, and that they are monitoring the weather conditions. “watch” means if weather conditions intensify in next 24 to 48 hours, company may shut off power in communities with high exposure to wildfire risk. Be prepared. See StarAd RED FLAG report to prepare.
UPDATE 7.27.25: Let’s TALK about Lahaina’s Recovery
Green’s DECEPTION continues. He protected HECO CEO Shelee Kimura. HECO incinerated at least 102+ human beings, including keiki. Kimura didn’t step down. HECO gave her raises. He refused FEMA trailers and housing, forcing over 10,000 Lahaina residents to bounce from place to place for years. He multiplied their trauma; scared their keiki for life. Josh Green then led to effort to CHEAT mainland insurers from subrogation rights and cost them some $3 BILLION. Green used this public money to provide tax breaks to local families and buy votes for his upcoming gubernatorial campaign.
UPDATE 7.25:25: Insurance Deadline Approaching for Lahaina Victims
August 8, 2023, another date that will live in infamy in Hawai’i along with December 7, 1941, also means second solemn observation of HECO-ignited biblical wildfire is approaching. Date important for survivors and victims, as it’s the TWO YEAR DEADLINE to file claims for property and belongings that were damaged or lost in disaster. No file. No compensation. They’re fucked.
CivilBeat reports many victims have not even started the process. Lahaina community was highly Filipino. English tends to be second language. Many are service workers, not professional employees, and not skilled filing claims or completing official reports. Their lives have been uprooted, forced into chaotic housing and living conditions and government-triggered delays. Complex system for anyone. Nearly impossible for Lahaina ‘ohana on their own. Governor Green is a no show.
UPDATE 7.11.25: Lahaina Victims Allegedly FORCED to TRADE SEX for Assistance
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported during a FEMA advisory meeting that one in six Lahaina fire survivors exchanged sexual favors for urgent needs. Authors of report are WOKE females from Hawai’i, both with law degrees. Khara Jabola-Carolus, J.D. and Nadezna Ortega, J.D. should be disbarred for their libelous report. University of Hawai’i Manoa PhD candidate Ortega should be booted from the program.
Both claim sexual and domestic violence increased after the Lahaina fire, alleging that 16% of Lahaina fire survivors surveyed have engaged in survival sex or sex acts in exchange for food, clothing, money and housing after the fire. Giving a hug could be considered survival sex. Claims are highly spurious and suspect. Jabola-Carolus, J.D. and Nadezna Ortega blame FEMA.
[see Equality in Flames: Executive Summary]
The report criticizes FEMA, the Red Cross, but the ultimate failure was Governor Josh Green and Hawai’i officials, “Red Cross and FEMA did not adapt practices to local conditions or approach fire survivors through a”cultural” lens but rather a continent-centered view.”
Neither group can be expected to adequately “adapt” to local culture during a crisis situation. Only state officials can provide necessary cultural interventions. Governor Green devoted his time to PROTECTING Hawaiian Electric executives and the companies, Kamehameha Schools and other officials responsible for this disaster. He demonstrated little sincere compassion for victims — even denying FEMA housing in the initial days of the recovery.
CivilBeat authors Brittany Lyte and Erin Nolan missed the point entirely. FEMA provides $$$$ and manpower for recovery. The reporters spend their time discrediting the claims of Secretary Kristi Noem. The secretary did exaggerate the research for the administration’s purpose of slashing FEMA. Imagine Lahaina without FEMA however! The state did not have the resources to manage such a massive disaster. Few states do.
There were MANY FAILURES before the August 8, 2023 fire — not one by FEMA or national agencies. The failures were the result of LOCAL OFFICIALS, executive management at HECO, Kamehameha Schools and others. LOCAL reporters do not have the courage to hold LOCAL officials responsible. Retaliation is extreme in the islands. Thus, they point fingers at others.
HECO CEO Shelee Kimura failed to SHUT OFF power. NWS warned of extreme high winds that would bring down power lines. HECO failed to properly maintain their poles and lines. Kamehameha Schools failed to groom their lands. Shelee Kimura was not asked to step down; in fact, Shelee Kimura has been awarded raises. As pointed out (UPDATE 7.10.25), Kamehameha Schools will pay millions, but the net to their financial sheets will not be harmed.
The Filipino and Lahaina communities were the victims; remain victims. The political elites in Hawai’i were rewarded. That’s why Hawai’i is the MOST CORRUPT state in the nation. Brittany Lyte and Erin Nolan FAILED to protect women. They do not have courage!
UPDATE 7.10.25: Kamehameha Schools Poised to Pay $872 MILLION in Settlement
Hawai’i officials cheated the insurance companies who came to the rescue of the thousands of victims. They paid out billions of dollars to devastated families in their time of need. HECO, Governor Green, Kamehameha Schools and other defendants corruptly cheated Hawai’i, mainland and international insurers and prevented them from recovering their losses.
Kamehameha Schools paid millions for its neglicence in the Lahaina fires after HECO downed power lines ignited a blaze that spread across dry lands owned by the school. Thanks to big gains in investments, Kamehameha Schools may emerge unscathed. They skirted financial loss; leaving not only a trail of victims on Maui, but around the world.
Kamehameha was a named defendant in more than 700 fire-related lawsuits and put $872 million toward the $4 billion settlement fund for Maui fire victims. They will not lose significantly; they cheated others who will. The legacy of Hawaii’s first king is one of corruption, conquest and theft — killing his own brother, stealing lands of the Native Hawaiian people — an absence of honor!
UPDATE 6.19.25: Gov Green Continues to FAIL Lahaina Victims
Nearly two years after the devastating Lahaina wildfires (8.8.23), survivors continue to struggle with mental, physical and social impacts, according to researchers from University of Hawai’i, Manoa.
Failure lies with Governor Josh Green. Josh devoted his time to protecting executives at Hawaiian Electric, who donated generously to his gubernatorial campaign. HEI CEO Scott Seu and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura received raises after failing to protect the Lahaina community. Josh orchestrated a settlement that cheated insurers from recovering losses of over $3 billion. Josh refused FEMA temporary housing. And, nearly years later, victims remain overwhelmed with the mental, physical and social impacts of the HECO-triggered disaster. People don’t matter to Josh Green and officials.
UPDATE 6.16.25: Stupid Officials MAKE Everything Cost More in Hawai’i
The Lahaina disaster destroyed over 2,200 homes and buildings. Incompetence of executive management at HECO triggered the initial fire. CEO Shelee Kimura got a raise. Rates for electricity will go up. Officials were unable to quickly agree on a location for the TONS of fire rubbish. Over 400,000 tons were therefore temporarily stored in Olowalu, which is uphill from a critical reef system and largest population manta rays.
SOURCE: Nathan Eagle, Civil Beat
The yearlong process of MOVING the rubbish a SECOND time begins today. Pay once in Hawai’i because of necessity … pay twice because of incompetence of officials. Cost to finally cleanup the Olowalu storage area is not included. Residents will pay a third time for this malfeasance.
UPDATE 5.25.25: Housing Options Improve
In a significant development for Lahaina wildfire survivors, modular housing project Ka La‘i Ola has become a beacon of hope for those displaced. With 450 units ready and 226 households already moved in, this initiative provides interim shelter for families who experienced the devastating loss of their homes. With community support and resources, these resilient families are slowly rebuilding their lives, a profound testament to the strength of the human spirit amid adversity.
UPDATE 5.14.25: Lahaina Leads Hawai’i with HIGHEST RATE of Homelessness
The deadly Hawaiian Electric Co (HECO) wildfire disaster displaced 5,000 Lahaina residents and has now left Hawai‘i with the dubious distinction of having the nation’s highest rate of homelessness, according to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.
The disaster destroyed more than 2,200 structures, primarily rental homes, and incinerated at least 102+ human beings, including keiki.
UPDATE 5.8.25: FEMA No Longer Bails Out Victims of HECO and Josh Green
Josh Green was responsible for providing housing for victims of Lahaina. FEMA offered modular homes and trailers. Josh said no! Now, Lahaina fire victims are uprooted again as FEMA starts charging rent. FEMA is trying to reduce the load on the island’s housing stock but the continual need to relocate is frustrating residents. BLAME Josh Green and HECO.
UPDATE 4.23.25: Lawmakers PUNISH The People for the Lahaina Disaster
If approved as expected, HB 1001 will authorize the State of Hawaiʻi to deposit $807 million of TAXPAYER MONEY into the Maui Wildfires Settlement Trust Fund over the next four years.
This sum is the government’s PENALTY on TAXPAYERS and our share of a $4.04 billion global settlement that includes $1.99 billion from Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) and $872.5 million from landowner Kamehameha Schools. HECO raised $500 million needed for the first installment of its share, in part by selling ownership in American Savings Bank.
The trust fund will settle lawsuits from more than 1,000 homeowners, businesses and others who were harmed by the fires ignited by faulty HECO equipment. At least 102+ human beings, including keiki were incinerated.
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court approved the settlement in February 2024 and cheated the insurance industry. Nearly 200 insurers paid out more than $2.3 billion to home and business owners and the Court denied their attempts to recover that money from lawsuits against HECO, Kamehameha Schools and other parties that allegedly allowed the fire to spread. Insurance premiums likely will go up to cover these losses.
The state’s wildfire settlement amount is in addition to the contribution of $65 million to the One ʻOhana Fund, created by Gov Josh Green to assist families who lost loved ones and people who suffered severe injuries in the disaster. Victims receive a reported $1.5 million if they agree not to seek further litigation. The small kine $1.5 million payout for a life or major injuries angered many victims, as HECO CEO Shelee Kimura makes over $2 million per year.
HECO contributed $75 million to the One ʻOhana Fund, $17.5 million came from Kamehameha Schools, Maui County’s share was $10 million and Charter/Spectrum, Hawaiian Telcom and West Maui Land Co. $2.5 million each. Costs will be passed to ratepayers, consumers and taxpayers. NOBODY at HECO has resigned to date.
UPDATE 4.17.25: HECO, Governor Green and Others ADMIT GUILT
Of course they are GUILTY !!! They offer $1.5M for the life of a victim. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura makes over $2M per year … HECO and Gov Green do not value our lives. They protect their families, not ours.
UPDATE 4.15.24: HECO Seeks to Place Cost on Ratepayers and Taxpayers
SB897 is the latest attempt by HECO to avoid accountability for wildfires by putting the cost on ratepayers and taxpayers. You shouldn’t have to foot the bill. Take Action Now!
For more information, VISIT: The Wrong Fix for Hawaiʻi’s Energy Future
UPDATE 3.31.25: HECO and Governor Green Attempt to CHEAT Health Insurers
Maui Fire settlements could shrink if health insurers take a bite: As settlement money begins to flow to Maui wildfire victims, a state law that allows health insurers to recoup their costs becomes a concern.
If health insurers are not reimbursed for their costs, they will RAISE premiums on the rest of us. Do you want to pay or do you want HECO et al to pay? They just got raises (see UPDATE 3.21.25).
UPDATE 3.21.25: Hawaiian Electric Execs Killed Locals; Received Huge Raises
Although HECO failed to protect the public and suffered over $1.4B in losses, Hawaiian Electric execs pocketed huge raises. The execs claim their efforts to steer the utility from the brink of bankruptcy justifies the $1.7 million raise for its CEO Scott Seu, the company said.
ClearHealthLife OPPOSED the raises in April 2024: SEE: Vote NO Against Hawaiian Electric Management for Incinerating Families in Lahaina
UPDATE 3.5.25: LA County SUES Southern California Edison Over Wildfires
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County said Wednesday that it’s suing Southern California Edison, alleging the utility’s equipment sparked January’s Eaton Fire, which destroyed more than 9,400 structures and killed 17 people in the Altadena area.
The lawsuit seeks to recover costs and damages sustained from the blaze that damaged “essential community infrastructure” and “massively impacted the County’s natural resources, harmed the environment and wildlife, and threatened public health,” the county said in a statement.
UPDATE 2.28.25: Democrats Incompetent and Corrupt
E Komo Mai, Hawai’i … Democrat officials are incompetent. Taxpaying residents had to pay ONCE to move ash and wreckage so Lahaina victims could begin to rebuild.
Because Democrats could not decide quickly on a permanent site, the rubbish went to a temporary location. Now, residents must PAY AGAIN to move the ash and wreckage to second location. That’s why COSTS in Hawai’i are HIGHER than on mainland. Democratic officials are incompetent and corrupt.
UPDATE: 2.24.25: HECO Wants $1 BILLION from Customers
Hawaiian Electric Co. wants customers to contribute $1 billion to a fund to help the utility pay claims related to future wildfires, such as the one that killed 102 people and destroyed much of Lahaina in 2023.
Do the Girl Math: 1 MILLION customers pay $1 BILLION to wildfire fund = $1,000 each or $4,000 for a family of four.
But labor organizations, the insurance industry, utility regulators and a long-time environmental activist have criticized the proposed bill to create the Wildfire Recovery Fund, calling it a benefit for HECO at the expense of ratepayers.
Lahaina and Los Angeles Compared
Experts have now concluded the Lahaina disaster was caused by human incompetence. Officials are working to understand the source of the LA wildfires at this time. Early reports suggest many similarities.
In Hawai’i, officials intimidate victims hoping to force unjust settlements on victimized Middle Class families, who have little formal education. Governor Green seeks to rip off insurance companies. They have paid or committed to pay over $3.2 BILLION in losses. Green offers only $600 million — leaving stakeholders, stockholders and customers to cover the $2.6 BILLION gap. Insurance rates have exploded. Green’s corruption will send premiums higher.
Residents in Hawai’i are also being asked to BAIL OUT Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO), while executives get raises. SEE ClearHealthLife recommended, “Vote NO Against Hawaiian Electric Management for Incinerating Families in Lahaina“
Housing remains a problem in Lahaina. Hard to imagine the challenges LA victims will face. Some 10,000 residents were impacted on Maui; likely a million suffer in southern California. On Maui, cleanup took over a year. First permits to rebuild were issued near end of 2024 — about 18 months post-disaster. CA Governor Newsom pledges to cut “red tape.”
CivilBeat reports a development of 450 small homes for fire survivors in West Maui is welcoming residents just nine months after the groundbreaking. Quick turnaround. Price isn’t cheap at $185 million, or $411,000 per home. Over 2,000 families lost homes.
Home insurance is exploding in Hawai’i and across the nation due to wildfires and other natural disasters. In Hawai’i, Governor Green has CHEATED insurers. They have paid or committed to pay $3.2 BILLION. Green offers $600 million in settlement. Insurers have challenged in Hawai’i courts. Difficult because the Hawai’i judiciary is corrupt. SEE Judiciary in Hawai’i Cheats The Public
Green expects insurance companies and American policy holders to PAY for the failure of HECO and Green. There is NO ALOHA in Hawai’i when it comes to money!
Hawai’i state taxes will go up; HECO rates will increase. Corrupt officials keep their jobs! Likely consumers and people will have more political power in California. They may be able to hold officials and executives accountable. Island residents are routinely mistreated in Hawai’i.
On August 8, 2023, energized HECO power lines fell due to high winds. Lines were not properly insulated; power poles were in decay and not maintained to code. HECO execs were warned by the National Weather Service.
CEO Shelee Kimura did nothing. Kimura had no plan for wildfires. At least 102+ human beings, including children, were incinerated. The historic town of Lahaina was wiped off the map in Biblical fashion. People fled mauka (mountains) to makai (sea) … jumping into the ocean to escape the flames.
At this time, Los Angeles battles similar FIRE HURRICANES due to extremely dry vegetation, historically low humidity and brutal Santa Ana winds — that rage from mountains to the sea. Similarly, wildfires began due to downed, energized power lines from Southern California Edison.
In Hawai’i, HECO CEO Kimura deflected blame claiming there were multiple fires; not the company’s fault, she said. She instead blamed Maui fire fighters and first responders. Responders both in Hawai’i and California are not equipped or staffed to battle Fire Hurricanes. HECO failed to heed warnings and de-energize their wires. Energy officials knew since the massive Camp Fire in California (2018). Was the most deadly in California history … ignited when PG&E failed to de-energize their electric lines.
HECO CEO Kimura and executive management did nothing. They had no plan. Local families died. Kimura did not apologize. In fact, Kimura and management were given raises in compensation. Only this year, January 14, 2025, has HECO provided a Wildfire Safety Plan — day late and dollar short, as the saying goes.
Complicating the Lahaina response was the feckless leadership by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. He is a retard. Being warned of the Lahaina flare-up, he responded by text:
Let’s stay on top of this. I’m coming back up after my Dr. appointment. [source]
Bissen to Maui Emergency Management Administrator Herman Andaya, 3.32pm, 8.8.23
There was NO effective Command, Control or Communication: the Three Cs of Leadership! Only Herman Andaya resigned. Others passed the buck! The People suffer in California and Hawai’i.
UPDATE 1.30.25: Deal reached for $4B Lahaina Global Settlement
KHON2 News reports a $4.037 billion settlement in The Global agreement between victims of the Lahaina wildfire and seven defendants. We’ll soon know how much each victim’s share will be.
“Overall, we think it was a realistic and reasonable outcome, and it’s going to just be a critical step to getting money into the hands of victims sooner than later.”
“We’re looking forward to the next week with the Hawaii Supreme Court because it’s just one critical step to finalizing the settlement agreement to getting money in the hands of our clients, who obviously very much need it.”
Jacob Lowenthal, victims’ attorney
Next week, Hawai’i Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on whether insurance companies are allowed to file subrogation claims against defendants to get reimbursed. They have paid or committed to pay $3.2 BILLION. Governor Green offers them $600 million … forcing a loss on companies and American policy holders of over $2 BILLION. That’s Green’s aloha !!!
Attorneys for insurance companies maintain they’re not against the Global Settlement. But they are against any deal that removes their right to subrogation.
UPDATE 1.27.25: FEMA Housing Assistance Ends
President 47 claims he wants to shut down FEMA. FEMA has been providing housing assistance, along with many other services, since the August 8, 2023 wildfire destroyed Lahaina town and incinerated at least 102+ human beings.
Now, FEMA housing assistance ends. StarAd reported Sumithra Balraj is moving back to her fire-ravaged Lahaina condominium before completing reconstruction after getting a letter from the FEMA seeking $2,300 in monthly rent for a unit that was once free since she was displaced from her housing by the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires.
Sumithra should contact the billionaire president and ask for help !!!
UPDATE 1.15.25: LOCALS Forced Off Maui Due to HECO Incompetence
At least 1,000 people have left Maui since the August 8, 2023 wildfires, tax records show. Researchers report that Hawaiʻi will see its annual income drop by $53 million due to migration from Valley Isle.
While LOCAL PEOPLE struggle, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, who was in charge when the company’s electrical lines destroyed historic Lahaina town and incinerated at least 102+ human beings, received a raise. She lives luxuriously in her million dollar plantation home. SUCKERS !!!
UPDATE 1.10.25: Did Power Lines IGNITE Los Angeles Wildfires?
Hawaiian Electric Co. power lines IGNITED the tragic Lahaina wildfire, 8.8.23. Facebook blocked my report yesterday comparing Los Angeles to Lahaina !!! 
Facebook is helping to COVER UP the negligent corporate activity !!! Full reporting coming.
UPDATE 1.4.2025: HECO CEO Shelee Kimura is NOT a Leader
On August 8, 2023, HECO energized electricity power lines ignited the wildfires that destroyed historic Lahaina town and incinerated at least 102+ human beings, including keiki. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura was warned. HECO had no plan for wildfire. HECO failed to de-energize their lines. Thousands of families suffer still today. CEO Kimura never apologized; didn’t resign. Kimura was rewarded with a raise. This behavior is not leadership.
UPDATE 1.1.2025: HEI Sells 90% of American Savings Bank
Hau’oli Makahiki Hou 2025!!! The transaction is a direct result of the Lahaina wildfire disaster and will help cover the billions the company owes in damages to victims. Remember, HEI and HECO Executives GOT RAISES this year … after destroying Lahaina and incinerating at least 102+ human beings, including keiki.
HEI CEO Scott Seu and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura have never apologized to residents. Both should be honorable and step down for their negligence !!! Neither have been honorable.
UPDATE 12.31.24: Hawai’i Residents Will Pay for HECO’s Incompetence
Rather through higher electricity rates or increased state taxes, Hawai’i residents ultimately will pay the cost of HECO management incompetence that led to the destruction of historic Lahaina town and the incineration of at least 102+ human beings, including keiki.
HECO customers will have to pay $4 more per month under a proposal to create a settlement fund meant to bolster the power company’s battered credit rating in an era of catastrophic wildfires. The proposal would also limit HECOʻs liability from property claims due to wildfires, even those which the companyʻs equipment starts, such as the devastating Lahaina fire in 2023. [source]
Governor Green has done an excellent job PROTECTING his friends in executive management at Hawaiian Electric. There have been no resignations, and unbelievably, directors received raises in 2024. Kill over one hundred human beings … get a raise. Only possible in corrupt Hawai’i.
UPDATE 12.21.24: Hawaiian Electric FINALLY Accepts FAULT in Lahaina Disaster
Steward Yerton CB reported, “Utility does not dispute earlier findings its equipment started the fire that destroyed much of Lahaina in 2023.”
HECO now acknowledges official reports concluding that there was just one fire. CEO & president Shelee Kimura immediately claimed there were two fires after the disaster — without any proof or evidence. She misled the public, lied and deceived to protect her job and the corporation.
However, the so-called “afternoon fire” was a continuation of the morning fire. This revelation now conclusively refutes Kimura’s claim that Lahaina was ravaged by a second fire, started by a culprit other than HECO. End.Of.Lies !!!
In broad terms, the 59-page accounting narrative is familiar. High winds damaged utility lines and knocked out power in the pre-dawn hours of Aug. 8, 2023. HECO re-energized power lines later that morning, sparking a fire that was thought to be extinguished by midday, only to flare up later and ultimately sweep through Lahaina.
HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura and executives still have NOT APOLOGIZED for their tragic failure. We have demanded CEO Kimura step down. HECO had no plan for high winds at the time, and have created protocols now. HECO was a “day late and dollar short.” At least 102+ human beings, including keiki, were incinerated, and HECO cost Hawai’i and American taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars. Local ratepayers and taxpayers will suffer higher costs for years.
UPDATE 12.17.24: Hawai’i Officials CHEAT Americans
State of Hawai’i has the money. Insurers covering the Lahaina, Maui disaster have spent or committed to compensate homeowners and families some $3.2 BILLION. Swindler Governor Josh Green and corrupt HECO CEO Shelee Kimura and other execuives offer only $600 Million … that’s $0.19 on the dollar. They cheat Americans, and force American insurance policy holders and investors to PAY for THEIR FAILURE.
PBS FRONTLINE documentary: “Maui’s Deadly Firestorm” premieres Dec. 17 [YouTube]
BEST OPTION for Hawai’i residents is for HECO to declare bankruptcy. Stockholders and creditors will force current CEO Shelee Kimura to step down, and reformulate the board of directors. New governance including professional from mainland will help modernize the company and remove much of the internal corruption. Hawai’i residents WILL PAY the costs of HECO failure through higher electricity rates or local taxes. We need better management of HECO.
Lawmakers claim a “default” is unlikely. If this claim was true, there would be no need for the legislative plan. Of course HECO is likely to default. HECO is a corrupt management mess.
CivilBeat reports only two-thirds of Lahaina students have returned to their schools since the HECO ignited fires, which destroyed King Kamehameha III Elementary and closed three other campuses from August to October 2023. Some families are skeptical that Lahaina schools will ever return to previous levels of enrollment and staffing, especially as teacher burnout is high and some students move away from West Maui.
UPDATE 11.24.24: First Rebuilt Lahaina Home Completed
Maui County’s Recovery Permit Center has issued over 254 building permits, and more than 120 homes are being rebuilt in fire-affected areas in Lahaina and Kula. First is now completed … over 15 months since Hawaiian Electric Company incinerated historic Lahaina town, some 10,000 families, and left at least 102 human beings, including keiki dead.
Hawai’i Officials still seek to RIP OFF mainland and international insurance companies. They have paid or committed to pay homeowners and families over $3.2 BILLION. Governor Josh Green seeks to CHEAT the insurers by offering them only $600 MILLION. Josh expects mainland Americans to PAY FOR OUR PRIVILEGE to live in the islands. MONEY is more important than HONOR in Hawai’i.
Hawai’i Officials BRAG about annual BILLION DOLLAR budget surpluses, plans to build what will be a BILLION DOLLAR football stadium, but won’t pay what they owe to others. Cheaters
Former Hawaiian Electric CEO & president Connie Lau used to say: With great privilege comes great responsibility. Hawai’i Officials accept their privilege. Hawai’i Officials fail to be responsible.
Hawai’i is MOST CORRUPT state in nation. Governor Josh Green APPOINTED Anne E. Lopez to be attorney general. Anne Lopez now rules there were no criminal acts by Josh Green and Hawaiian Electric executives who donated some $20,000 to Josh Green’s campaign for governor.
Hawai’i Officials investigated their friends, family and political allies, and found NO FAULT for killing at least 102 human beings, including keiki, on August 8, 2023.
HECO power poles were not to code; HECO electricity wires were not to code; grasses were not properly cut back and maintained; power lines were not de-energized after the National Weather Service warned extreme winds would knock down electrified wires.
The loss of historic Lahaina caused an estimated 30% drop in island tourism and revenue. Poverty, unemployment and mental health issues exploded. Many residents and families were forced to leave the island and relocate on mainland. Hawaiian Electric executives got raises to pad their MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR annual salaries!
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) CEO & president Shelee Kimura again offers her holiday Lahaina Special Edition gift suggestion: My First Fire … still just $49.99. Spark excitement in your keiki. Learn the secrets how to burn down an entire village or community.
UPDATE 10.22.24: Maui’s Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina Available
A draft of County of Maui’s Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina is available for online viewing and public feedback starting today. In addition to the online feedback opportunity, the Lahaina community is invited to attend open houses on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VISIT: https://www.mauirecovers.org/Lahaina
VISIT: https://www.mauirecovers.org/Lahaina
Excellent !!! Put something in writing. Allow residents to read, review and begin discussions. Will be a long, and likely, difficult process. Every journey begins with the first step!
UPDATE 10.21.24: Hawaiian Electric LOOKS to SELL More Stock
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is reportedly learning a lot about fires and fire mitigation from California utilities, as well as those in Colorado, Oregon and Australia — as we said many times, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura is a “day late and dollar short.” This information was available in 2018. HECO did not care about the safety of residents of Hawai’i. HECO’s focus was higher salaries for executives.
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) reportedly is learning about wildfire financial liability from Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). PG&E failed to de-energize their power lines and ignited the deadly Camp Fire in 2018. HEI and HECO executives were criminally negligent. They had FIVE (5) YEARS to get up to speed on fire prevention. Hawaiian Electric is dominated by Asians. Generally, Asian Americans are MANY of the Best & Brightest in the USA. We got the failures in Hawai’i.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 after accumulating an estimated $30 billion in liability for causing wildfires. The bankruptcy settlement resulted in a quadrupling of shares. HEI began its dilution process by increasing the number of shares by 49% in September 2024. HEI offered 54,054,054 shares of its common stock at $9.25, raising a net gain of $484,999,999.52.
HEI now is also considering selling American Savings Bank to Central Pacific Financial Corp for $600 to $800 million. If HEI were to fully follow the PG&E model of quadrupling its common stock, then an additional $2.4 billion could be raised. HEI pledged $1.99 billion towards the victims, that after taxes would result in a $1.5 billion liability.
HEI warned of future dilution in its Prospectus issued on September 24, 2024:
“We may sell shares or other securities in any other offering at a price per share that is less than the price per share paid by investors in this offering, and investors purchasing shares or other securities in the future could have rights superior to existing stockholders.”
“We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our Common Stock and we intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. In addition, the terms of certain existing and any future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our Common Stock may be your sole source of gain for the foreseeable future.” [source]
HEI stock (HE) closed at $9.90 Monday, October 21, 2024. Executive management has been a disaster for residents of Hawai’i and HE stock holders.
Hawai’i state Public Utility Commission continues their investigation into the August 8, 2023, Lahaina wildfire. The disaster destroyed historic Lahaina town, incinerated at least 102+ human beings, including keiki, and caused an estimated $5.5+ BILLION in damages. Hawaiian Electric executives got raises!
Maui’s economy collapsed about 30% due to the deadly Lahaina disaster. Poverty, unemployment, mental health issues and trauma remain high. CivilBeat reported that fewer fire survivors are now working, and those who are working have jobs where they are working fewer hours. Hawaiian Electric executives got raises!
Investigators determined that “re-energizing” downed power lines sparked the fatal Maui wildfire. Had HECO CEO Shelee Kimura been competent, Lahaina would be standing today; at least 102+ human beings, including keiki would be alive today. Kamehameha School property was overgrown with vegetation that violated the county fire code. Top Management was criminally negligent!
UPDATE 10.7.24: Governor Josh Green PANICS … Insurers Seeking Federal Court
Insurers have spent or committed to spend some $3.2 BILLION on the Lahaina Disaster Recovery. Governor Green supports a settlement that offers insurers only $600 MILLION … or $0.19 on the dollar for their losses. Insurers sought legal action to be reimbursed for their losses. Their efforts were denied by a Maui Circuit Court with an order asserting state courts’ authority to consolidate claims. The Hawai’i Supreme Court is now expediting consideration of the issue, to clarify the settlement’s legal status.
Insurers however have now taken their claim to federal court — a move criticized by Govenor Green. “It is disappointing,” he said Friday, “that mainland insurance companies continue to demonstrate their contempt for the people of Hawai’i as they put profits ahead of people.”
Governor Green RIPS-OFF mainland insurance companies and Americans. Governor Green believes island people are ENTITLED to steal from Americans. Governor Green, HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura and executives, Kamehameha Schools officials and others FAILED the people of Lahaina and Maui. Americans should not pay for their failure. We must hold local officials accountable.
Unethically, Governor Green demands insurance companies PAY for their FAILURE. We enjoy the privilege of living in the Paradise of Hawai’i. With Great Privilege comes Great Responsibility, as former Hawaiian Electric Industries CEO & president Connie Lau demanded. Green et al want their privilege. They do not accept their responsibility. They want Americans to pay! This is not aloha.
UPDATE 10.2.24: Maui Officials BLAME Hawaiian Electric for Fires
Breaking: Maui Blames Devastating Wildfire On Downed Power Line: The county’s long-awaited report concurs with a body of reports pointing to Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), as the cause of the fires. [source]
*** DOWNLOAD REPORT HERE *** [NOTE: 198M … large download]
The long-awaited report by Maui County and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concurs with a body of reports pointing to HECO as the cause of the fires.
StarAd reports: Re-energizing of downed power lines sparked fatal Maui wildfire. The Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire that burned down Lahaina, and killed at least 102 people started when downed power lines reenergized at about 6:34 a.m. and ignited overgrown vegetation that violated the county fire code near a utility poll off of Lahainaluna Road.
“A downed power line set dry grass on fire, which reignited amid high winds later that day after firefighters had left the scene, according to a long-awaited report from the county and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Firefighters who thought they had extinguished the blaze and stayed on the scene for five and a half hours could not have predicted it would rekindle after they left.”
Brad Ventura, chief the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety
CivilBeat reported that a fallen HECO power line set dry grass on fire on the morning of Aug. 8, 2023, producing a smoldering ember that flared up in hurricane-driven winds later that day and grew to engulf the town of Lahaina, Maui officials said Wednesday while releasing long-awaited report produced in collaboration with federal investigators.
Specifically, Brad Ventura, chief the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety, said the morning fire started after the downed power line was re-energized, sparking untended grass that caught fire. Firefighters contained the fire and stayed in the area for several hours to make sure the blaze was extinguished before firefighters left the scene, county and ATF officials said. But the prevailing hypothesis is that a piece of smoldering material was blown into a nearby gully, where strong winds rekindled the material in the afternoon.
“The hypothesis was overwhelmingly supported by the data,” Ventura said.
Jesse Creed, liaison counsel for more than 1,000 wildfire victims, said after Maui County’s announcement. “Had Hawaiian Electric and Kamehameha Schools properly maintained their electric poles and vegetation, this fire would have never happened.”
UPDATE 9.27.24: Privileged Hawai’i LOCALS Seek to Rip Off Mainland Americans
It’s a blessing to live in Hawai’i. About 1.5 million residents do; about a billion people would like to live in the islands. Problem is LOCAL OFFICIALS are corrupt and incompetent. Their negligence led to the destruction of Lahaina and incineration of at least 102+ human beings, Aug 8, 2023. Hawaiian Electric faulty equipment started the fires. Hawaiian Electric execs did not resign; they got raises.
NOTE: Maui Fire ATF Report expected to be released next week: Maui Fire Department says it received the written report from the federal government earlier this week.
Now, Governor Josh Green, who took about $20,000 in campaign donations from Hawaiian Electric executives, seeks to RIP OFF mainland insurers and Americans. LOCAL OFFICIALS fucked up; they want mainland people to pay. Insurers paid out some $3.2 BILLION in claims. Green offers to settle for $600 MILLION … that’s $0.19 on the dollar. Would you take the loss? Aloha Spirit says, PAY WHAT WE OWE !!! Governor Green wants to cheat others for his failure and the failure of his friends.
State of Hawai’i, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Co., Hawaiian Telcom, Kamehameha Schools and other defendants agreed to pay $4.04 billion to settle claims of hundreds of individual fire victims. Whether the deal can go forward depends on insurers, who are not parties to the settlement, decline to pursue their own lawsuits against several of the defendants, including HECO and Kamehameha Schools.
Hawai’i Supreme Court laid out a timetable that could allow justices to resolve the issues within 90 days. Victims, various defendants and insurers have 40 days to file opening briefs with the court. After the last opening brief is filed, each party has 40 days to file a single reply brief.
UPDATE 9.24.24: Hawaiian Electric Stock Price Continues to Collapse
Prior to Hawaiian Electric executives incinerating the historic community of Lahaina and at least 102+ human beings, HE stock price hovered around $40/share. Today, HE stock dropped about 10% more to hit $9.86. The company has been forced to sell additional shares of stock to pay for the disaster their negligent managers unleashed on the innocent members of our ‘Ohana. No managers have apologized or resigned, and audaciously, executives demanded raises this year — which CHL opposed.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaiian Electric Industries will sell $500 million in stock to help pay for damages from the 2023 Maui wildfires.
- The power company is pricing the stock at $9.25, a $1.65 discount from Monday’s closing price.
- Hawaiian Electric Industries has warned that it may not be able to continue as a viable operation because of the costs to cover the fire damages.
Hawaiian Electric made a similar sales request on September 19, 2024, seeking a $250M at-the-market offering. HE shares dropped 6.4% in early trading that day by selling shares at prevailing market prices rather than a predetermined rate, according to an 8-K filing.
If Hawaiian Electric goes bankrupt, company will continue, but NEW MANAGEMENT BOARD will be brought in from mainland. We’ll break the corruption, in-breeding and local favoritism. Same thing happened with corrupt PREPA in Puerto Rico after the electricity provider killed 1,000s after Hurricane Maria (2017).
Lawsuits claimed the company failed to shut off power lines ahead of last year’s wildfires that killed at least 102 human beings, including keiki. Josh Green, recipient of about $20,000 in campaign donations, from Hawaiian Electric executives in his 2022 run for governor, has worked loyally to protect the executives. Green failed to protect the people of Lahaina; instead protects his friends within the negligent company. Hawai’i is the Most Corrupt state in the nation. Now you know.
UPDATE 9.23.24: Hawai’i Officials Were Not Prepared
Hawaiian Electric executives (HEI CEO & president Scott Seu; HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura) were not prepared. Maui County officials were not prepared. Governor Green and his team were not prepared.
Former HEI CEO & president Connie Lau said frequently, “With great privilege comes great responsibility.” Executives and officials accept their privilege; they fail to be responsible. As a policy planner, our #1 Job is to ensure the safety of the public we serve. Our motto: Prepare for the worst; hope for the best. Hawai’i officials FAILED their duty to the public.
The National Weather Service warned of extreme high winds that likely would toppled electricity lines on August 6, 2023. HECO did nothing. Governor Green continued plans to fly out of state. Maui officials were in a non-essential conference on O’ahu that could have been attended by Zoom.
A similar 2018 wind-fueled wildfire burned 2,100 acres and destroyed 21 structures before being stopped frighteningly short of Lahaina town. Instead of heeding the warning and taking measures to prevent future disaster, state and county emergency managers did little, according to the latest Maui fire report by the state attorney general. An after-action report by Maui Emergency Management was never finished, and there was no sign other county or state agencies used lessons from the 2018 fire to address future risks.
But authorities appear to be devoting their best energy to covering their butts. Maui has stonewalled on turning over information to the attorney general and resisted interviews; Bissen agreed to an interview only if it wasn’t recorded. The Attorney General’s Office has twisted itself into knots to avoid casting blame.
David Shapiro, Volcanic Ash
Hawaiian Electric executives even had the audacity to demand raises this year. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen refused to step down. Governor Josh Green was ultimately “responsible.” He hasn’t apologized for his negligence or stepped down. Our “country club” ruling class protects itself, not The People.
UPDATE 9.3.24: Hawai’i Has The Money. Pay Insurers What We Owe
Governor Green: Hawaii Can Pay The Bills For Maui Fire Recovery, Hazard Pay And More: The administration has not yet released a budget plan for covering those costs, but the governor says it can be done without tapping into the rainy day fund.
Pay the Lahaina Insurers what we owe!!! That’s the responsible and aloha thing to do. They didn’t cause the fires. Local incompetence did.
GOOD NEWS: Maui Is Fully Reopening TWO Lahaina Neighborhoods For First Time Since Fires: The county says Wahikuli and Mala no longer present a safety or health risk to justify restricted access.
UPDATE 8.31.24: Maui Wildfire Lawsuit Appealed to Hawai’i Supreme Court
The Maui Wildfire Lawsuit Settlement Case Has Been Kicked Up To The Hawaii Supreme Court. Some claim wildfire victims want the high court to step in over objections from the insurance industry.
LOCAL Officials incinerated Lahaina … none resigned or even apologized. Hawaiian Electric executives even gave themselves RAISES !!! Pay the insurers what they deserve. Wildfires were not a nature disaster. HECO did not have a wildfire plan; HECO equipment was not to code. LOCAL incompetence destroyed Lahaina !!! We will never forgive; we can never trust ’em again!
Hawaiian Electric Executives GOT RAISES !!! The company now claims they do not have more money!!! THEY pay themselves … HEI CEO Scott Seu makes over $5 MILLION per year; HECO CEO Shelee Kimura makes over $2 MILLION per year. Refuse to pay others to protect their own jobs.
UPDATE 8.29.24: Gov Green DEMANDS Insurers LOSE MONEY !!!
Governor Josh Green FAILED to protect the residents of Lahaina and Maui. Hawaiian Electric executives had NO PLAN for wildfire protection and were criminally negligent maintaining their power poles, lines and equipment. Hawaiian Electric executives donated $20,000 to Green’s campaign for governor and recently gave themselves Pay Raises. Green now protects his incompetent friends.
Why should State Farm and Insurers PAY for the incompetence and mistakes of Green, HEI CEO Scott Seu and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura? All should resign. None have apologized for their failures!
Insurance Industry says it has the right to recoup BILLIONS in PAID wildfire claims … because the fires were not caused by nature, but incompetence of Green, Hawaiian Electric executives and other Hawai’i defendants. Industry is correct about the incompetence.
UPDATE 8.19.24: Gov Green BEGS Insurers NOT to Appeal Court Ruling
NO SETTLEMENT … Gov. Josh Green, who helped author the settlement, praised Maui Circuit Court Judge Cahill’s ruling and urged insurance industry attorneys to refrain from delaying a final settlement by appealing the order, stating “If the subrogation attorneys from the mainland push hard, I will work to beat them in the courts.”
“There’s $4 billion. And that’s all the state could afford, all the county could afford, all HECO could afford, all KS (Kamehameha Schools) could afford and live to fight another day. The idea that the insurers would not be taking away from the victims is ludicrous. No one buys that argument.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
Green claimed “that’s all HECO could afford,” but HECO and Hawaiian Electric gave FAT RAISES to their executives. ClearHealthLife OPPOSED the raises !!!
Insurers’ counsel argued Cahill’s Maui court didn’t have jurisdiction over their subrogation suits, which the insurers had filed in Circuit Court in Honolulu. In his oral ruling, Maui Judge Cahill agreed with Creed. Cahill also said his court did have jurisdiction over the matter, at the heart of which is the pending mediated settlement.
DOWNLOAD Insurers’ Legal Filing
UPDATE 8.14.24: Local Maui Judge REJECTS Insurance Company Objections
Defendants had proposed a $4.04 Billion settlement of wildfire claims, but the deal was blocked by insurance companies. They filed separate lawsuits against the same defendants to recoup some $2.3 billion in insurance claims paid to fire victims so far. Maui Circuit Court Judge Peter Cahill’s ruling (8.13.24) means the insurers are barred from continuing with those independent subrogation lawsuits.
“There’s $4 billion. And that’s all the state could afford, all the county could afford, all HECO could afford, all KS (Kamehameha Schools) could afford and live to fight another day.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) however gave CEO & president Scott Sue a RAISE increasing his salary to $5,386,250 per year; Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) gave CEO & president Shelee Kimura a RAISE increasing her salary to $2,077,532 per year. [source] Median income in Hawai’i is $41,850 per year. Seu makes 128 TIMES median income; Kimura makes 50 TIMES median income.
Governor Green, HEI, HECO and other defendants demand insurers LOSE some $1.4+ BILLION. Not sure insurers are going to go quietly into the good night. Insurers must answer to their stockholders. Green et al defendants caused the fires, destroyed Lahaina town and incinerated at least 102+ human beings. Why should insurers and shareholders pay? Most people would appeal if they were an insurer: $0.30 on the dollar? Not reasonable; not pono; not aloha.
Governor Green, who helped work out the settlement, praised Cahill’s ruling and urged the insurance industry attorneys to refrain from delaying a final settlement by appealing the order.
“We humbly ask the mainland subrogation attorneys to accept what Judge Cahill has made clear, which is no one should stand in the way of our people’s full recovery. If the subrogation attorneys from the mainland push hard, I will work to beat them in the courts.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
UPDATE 8.13.24: Hawai’i Opens TEMP Housing for Lahaina Victims
Today Governor Green finally announced opening of Kapalua Village, first privately-funded temporary housing community for Kapalua golf course and other Kapalua-based employees who were impacted by the devastating Lahaina, Maui wildfires.
Green was CRIMINALLY slow. Josh created a DIASPORA of Lahaina residents by refusing FEMA temp housing initially. He left some 10,000+ members of our ‘Ohana living in tents, their cars, at the beach or shuttling between hotels. Our ‘Ohana needs community and to be together. Rich People like Josh Green do not understand the common people in Hawai’i.
UPDATE 8.10.24: Hawaiian Electric Inc. & Co. Need to go BANKRUPT !!!
HEI and HECO need to go bankrupt … then a NEW Board and directors from mainland will take over. We can END corruption and lower our electricity prices !!! HECO execs destroyed historic Lahaina town and incinerated at least 102+ human beings. We will never forgive; we can never trust ’em again!
Hawaiian Electric Company’s parent company, HEI, promises it will not raise rates for utility customers to pay $1.99 billion as part of a proposed global settlement of more than 600 lawsuits filed against the company for starting wildfires that incinerated at least 102+ people and destroyed most of Lahaina just over a year ago.
LIST OF GUILTY PARTIES
Assurances from HEI come a week after the company announced it would partake in a proposed $4 billion global settlement that also includes the state of Hawaii, Maui County, Kamehameha Schools, Spectrum Oceanic, Charter Communications, Cincinnati Bell, Hawaiian Telcom and several entities affiliated with West Maui Land Co. and Launiupoko Water Co. [NOTE: there is NO settlement agreement at this time … see UPDATE 8.5.24]
The settlement is not final. Insurers who already have paid billions of dollars in wildfire claims have not signed on to the settlement agreement and could effectively block the deal.
Gov. Josh Green demands INSURERS accept some $1.4 BILLION in losses. Why should insurers pay for the incompetence of local officials?
HEI and subsidiary HECO are responsible for nearly $2 billion in payments, and represent the largest contribution among defendants. Faulty HECO equipment ignited a morning fire. HECO execs had no plan for wildfire, high winds or to de-energize electrical power lines. Competent officials learned these lessons after the disastrous CA Camp Fire in 2018. LOCAL HECO execs were not paying attention. Members of our ‘Ohana died horrific deaths.
Kamehameha Schools, the major landowner accused of allowing fires to spread by not cutting grass on its land, announced it will pay $872.5 million from a trust established to benefit Native Hawaiian children. KS steals the future from Native Hawaiian children.
State of Hawai’i will also pay about $800 million. Gov. Josh Green failed his duty as Lt. Governor, as well as governor, to protect the public’s safety. Maui County, accused of mismanaging the emergency response and allowing HECO’s morning fire to reignite, reportedly will pay $10 million.
ClearHealthLife has demanded the resignations of HEI CEO Scott Seu, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and Governor Josh Green. Nobody apologized. ALL COVER UP their negligence.
UPDATE 8.9.24: LOCALS Seek to Ripoff Insurance Companies
“The money available to settle the claims related to the Maui wildfire is limited. The insurance companies’ insistence on getting paid first is unconscionable. It’s not like they need the money.”
Governor Josh Green, HECO officials and LOCAL people seek to RIPOFF insurance companies. The companies DID NOT destroy Lahaina or incinerate over 102+ human beings. Why should they foot the bill? Green disparages insurers and wants them to lose $1.4 BILLION due to mistakes made by Green and HECO executives. StarAd publishes this immoral opinion to fuel controversy in the islands.
Insurance Companies are NOT getting paid. They are getting “reimbursed” for the money they PAID to our local families and small businesses. The PONO thing to do is pay them back.
UPDATE 8.9.24: Where did ALL THE MONEY go?
Thousands of people around the world, especially here in Hawai’i, immediately rallied to help after the fires, raising hundreds of millions of dollars. So where did the money go? Micah Kane, president and CEO of the Hawai’i Community Foundation, revealed nearly $200 million was raised for Lahaina.
“We started strong funds in each of the counties. A lot of our resources are going towards shelter and lodging. Over $50 million just in housing alone. Direct financial assistance, which really helps with filling gaps allowing families to put the resources where needed, over $25 million there.”
Micah Kane, president and CEO of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Kane accounts for $75 MILLION. Where is the remaining $125 MILLION ???
Once fires hit, Maui Strong Fund we know today was already set up to coordinate donation intake and grant output to help the community. Just over half of the money raised was distributed — $110 million through 200 community organizations. Where’s the OTHER HALF ???
“CNHA has raised around $40 million. We’ve spent just over $15 million on building homes, and we’ve probably spent another five or six [million] on rental programs to help families stabilize,” said Kuhio Lewis, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Where’s the remaining $20 MILLION ???
UPDATE 8.8.24: ONE YEAR AGO TODAY. HECO incinerated Lahaina
We know HECO faulty equipment started fire around 9:30am. National Weather Service had issued warning about high winds and possible downed power lines. Had HECO execs de-energized power lines, fire would not have started. HECO admits to having no plan.
Exactly one year ago, we lost cherished lives of mothers, fathers, grandparents, sons, daughters and friends. As we observe the one year-mark of the Maui Wildfires through commemorative events this weekend, let’s honor their memories and never forget those we lost in Lahaina.
Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green
Maui County fire fighters would not have been summoned. Historic Lahaina town would exist today; over 102+ human beings would not have been incinerated. Over 2,200+ homes and businesses would not have been lost; the 10,000+ victims would not be struggling; Maui would not be in recession.
ONLY a corrupt system is unable to provide the “cause or origin” for the Lahaina fire. The People know. HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura never apologized and refuses to resign. HECO even gave her a raise to over $2 MILLION per year.
UPDATE 8.5.24: FALSE CLAIM of SETTLEMENT
Insurance companies, which have paid out more than $2 billion in claims, did not sign on to a settlement term sheet filed in court on Friday and thus remain the last potential holdouts that could prevent a settlement … Jesse Creed, one attorney for plaintiffs, reported that insurers “did not agree to this global settlement and are trying to take money back from the victims who paid their premiums and send it off-island to pad their profits. The insurance companies shouldn’t take a penny as long as the victims are not fully compensated.”
Everything Governor Green is doing regarding a Lahaina settlement is designed to prevent a Hawaiian Electric (HEI) bankruptcy. HEI is a key part of the local power structure. In bankruptcy, HEI would be transferred to out-of-state creditors with no interest in local politicians.
The governor is desperately pushing a fake $4B “settlement” because it could save HEI from bankruptcy — but the “settlement” is only possible if insurance companies agree to accept $600M rather than $2B. This isn’t going to happen. A “settlement” isn’t real unless all parties agree. Green’s fake “settlement” is just more kabuki theater.
UPDATE 8.5.24: HECO Put Profits Before People
Still today, HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura has not apologized, nor has she resigned. Less than a year after the devastating fires, Watts Law Firm LLP announced a monumental $4.012 billion settlement agreement in the case against utility entities Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc., Hawai’i Electric Light Company, Inc., and Maui Electric Company (HECO). This settlement marks a significant step forward in rebuilding the community of Lahaina and bringing restitution to the affected residents.
“The cost of wildfire litigation settlements is so much higher than reasonable investments to upgrade one’s utility grids. Today’s settlement is yet another alarm bell that should be heard by utilities across America – put people before profits, or you will lose your profits when we force you to pay the people you harm.”
Mikal Watts, founder and mass tort attorney at Watts Law Firm LLP
With an extensive track record of success in wildfire-related litigation, Mikal Watts, founder and mass tort attorney at Watts Law Firm LLP, stepped in as one of the attorneys in the lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric. Over the span of his 35 year career, Mikal Watts has represented over 20,000 wildfire survivors and has negotiated almost $19 billion in utility-caused wildfire settlements.
Watts worked with local Maui personal injury attorney Jan K. Apo, partner at Apo, Reck & Kusachi, LLP on behalf of the citizens of Lahaina. Apo is not only an attorney in Maui, he was personally impacted by the wildfires. Watts and Apo’s original complaint alleged Hawaiian Electric helped set the stage for the disastrous wildfires through years of negligence in securing and updating their infrastructure.
“This settlement will accelerate the long road back for the town of Lahaina. It provides billions of dollars to finance the reconstruction of this beautiful and historic town. While this settlement can never bring back those innocent souls who were lost, perhaps the message sent by this multi-billion dollar settlement will ensure that these good people did not die in vain.”
Mikal Watts, founder and mass tort attorney at Watts Law Firm LLP
The Maui wildfires claimed the lives of more than 102+ human beings, including keiki, and burned through 2,107 acres of land, causing about $5.5 billion in property damage. The $4 billion settlement underlines the importance of corporate responsibility to protect the communities they service and the land they inhabit.
UPDATE 8.3.24: Maui Victims Reach $4B Global Settlement After Wildfires
StarAd reported today that a $4 billion global settlement has been reached over liability for the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires in hundreds of lawsuits filed against Hawaiian Electric, Maui County, the state, large landowners and other defendants. Hawai’i Governor Josh Green claimed parties agreed to a “historic settlement to resolve all tort claims arising from the Maui wildfires.”
Jesse Creed, one attorney for plaintiffs, told CNN the settlement came about through “extensive negotiations.” Among factors weighed, he said, were not just the defendants’ liability but also their ability to pay. The fight against insurance companies continued to drive the agreement.
“As a lawyer for the plaintiffs, we don’t think the insurance companies should take a penny as long as the victims are not fully compensated.”
Jesse Creed, attorney
“This Global Settlement of over $4 billion will help our people heal. My priority as Governor was to expedite the agreement and to avoid protracted and painful lawsuits so as many resources as possible would go to those affected by the wildfires as quickly as possible. Settling a matter like this within a year is unprecedented, and it will be good that our people don’t have to wait to rebuild their lives as long as others have in many places that have suffered similar tragedies.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
Seven defendants were State of Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum/Charter Communications.
Under the proposed settlement, which remains subject to court approval, defendants will pay $4.037 billion for all claims, and includes approximately 2,200 parties. The state will also contribute to the settlement in addition to its $65 million contribution to the One Ohana Fund, but the state’s contribution to the settlement must be approved by the Legislature.
The total scope of the recovery, which includes past insurance claims, county, federal and state support, will approach $12 billion. HECO management had no plan for wildfire response. About 3,500 homes, in addition to businesses, schools and other properties were damaged or destroyed in the catastrophe that forced thousands into shelters. But the numbers on Josh Green’s white board cannot measure the emotional toll on survivors.
SEE: Shareholders recently rewarded Hawaiian Electric executives with generous raises.
UPDATE 8.2.24: Hawai’i, Maui County, HECO Agree to Pay $4 Billion to Victims
$4 BILLION ??? Hawai’i Officials RIP OFF insurance companies and VICTIMS. Costs are at least $5.2 Billion and likely to be more. Governor Josh Green wants to pay $600 MILLION for some $2 BILLION in losses. This means INSURANCE companies and VICTIMS get 30% of what they are OWED.
Why? If HECO must pay more, they go bankrupt. And if HECO goes bankrupt, OUTSIDE people run HECO — Green, HEI CEO Scott Seu and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, do not want Rate Payers or the World to know how FKCED up they are.
Same thing happened in Puerto Rico with their energy supplier, PREPA, after Hurricane Maria (2017). About 89 people died in the storm. Due to PREPA incompetence and corruption, some 3,000 PEOPLE died !!! The world found out. PREPA was taken over by another group of outsiders.
HECO incinerated Lahaina Town and at least 102+ human beings. Hawaiian Electric has never apologized. Gov Green took $20K from Hawaiian Electric execs and now protects his LOCAL $$$ friends. We need OUTSIDERS to run HECO going forward. Can never trust Green, Seu and Kimura again! They all should resign.
UPDATE 7.30.24: Gov Green VETOES Funding Bill for RESEARCH on Survivors
Researchers are facing a funding gap in their effort to study long-term health of Maui fire survivors: The University of Hawaii team is having to recalibrate plans after the governor vetoed a wildfire omnibus bill, setting back efforts to follow a larger cohort of survivors.
Green received $20K from Hawaiian Electric EXECS in his campaign for governor, and now PROTECTS his political allies from UH Research. Green doesn’t want the PUBLIC to know !!! Josh Green is incompetent, corrupt and cruel !!!
Launched in January, the Maui Wildfire Exposure Cohort Study is currently tracking the health and social well-being of more than 800 adult fire survivors. Lawmakers had allocated $2.3 million to UH to support the study — and the creation of a comprehensive health registry to track fire survivors — as part of a wildfire appropriations bill that Gov. Josh Green vetoed earlier this month.
UPDATE 7.27.24: Maui Judge Tries To Clear Path To Settlement
Judge Peter Cahill issued an order Friday requiring all sides to talk next month after defendant Hawaiian Electric Industries joined plaintiffs in asking him to help expedite settlement.
Insurers paid out $2.34 billion as of the end of June, and total insurance losses are expected to top $3.2 billion, according to the latest data from the Hawaii Insurance Division. Insurers that pay claims typically can seek reimbursement from parties responsible for the damage. [source]
Here’s the DEAL: Insurers NEED $2.34+ BILLION for reimbursement of LOCAL FAMILIES who lost everything. Josh Green wants to pay ONLY $600 MILLION — stealing $1.4+ BILLION companies who helped our families and ‘Ohana. Insurers cannot pay our local families unless they are reimbursed by those who caused the disaster.
Green accepted about $20,000 from Hawaiian Electric for governor race. Green CHEATS middle class families to PROTECT Hawaiian Electric executives, who failed our ‘Ohana. Green puts corporations ahead of people.
HECO’s failure to de-energize electric power lines also caused financial collapse to most people living on Maui — “barely surviving.” SEE Report: Growing Number Of Maui County Residents Are ‘Barely Surviving’: The Aug. 8 fires had a significant financial impact across Maui, and a majority of people surveyed say they are more worried than hopeful about their future in Hawai’i.
SAFELY DE-ENERGIZE ELECTRIC POWER LINES
And, Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative showed HECO how to SAFELY manage high winds and dry conditions by de-energizing electric power lines. HECO provides 95% of state electricity. Management is BAD and incompetent. KIUC provides the remaining 5% and is well-managed, see DIRECTORS.
UPDATE 7.22.24: Settlement Attempt Failed. Possible Bankruptcy for Hawaiian Electric
Editor’s Note: Deal had Friday deadline and apparently failed. Under proposed settlement, County and State were picking up enough of Lahaina fire settlement cost to keep Hawaiian Electric from going bankrupt — but only if insurance companies agreed to take $600M instead of $2B. Of course, the insurers — tagged as “Mainland Parties” by Green — didn’t agree. That’s why deal failed. That’s also why the deal was leaked to the press.
“There are some parties on the mainland that are simply asking for too much of the settlement, resources that I insist must go to families who were devastated by the fire. I will personally call them out by name next week if they hurt Hawaii’s people or further delay this agreement.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
As intended from the beginning, the goal is to protect HEI — Green calls HEI “local families” — as a bastion of political and economic power for Hawaii’s “family” of political insiders. Hawaiian Electric execs donated some $20,000 to Green’s campaign for governor. Green now protects the executives!
Bankruptcy proceedings would transfer control of HEI to lenders, thus stripping local stockholders of everything. Rate hikes are coming next. Now we know why Maui County has been hiding the BATF report on the Lahaina fire.
UPDATE 7.19.24: Hawaiian Electric Surges on Report of Settlement; Stock up 42%
Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE) stock soared 40% in trading after a report by Bloomberg of a tentative settlement. The proposed agreement aims to resolve hundreds of lawsuits stemming from the devastating wildfires that ravaged Maui last year.
Bloomberg said the tentative settlement could see Hawaiian Electric contribute over $1.5 billion towards a total exceeding $4 billion. Sum would compensate thousands of homeowners and businesses impacted by the fires. Other defendants potentially covered by the deal include a unit of Charter Communications, along with state and local governments, and still awaits final approval,
Hawaiian Electric faced heavy criticism for failing to cut power despite warnings of high winds. The disaster caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damages, killed at least 102+ human beings, and resulted in junk credit ratings for the company, hindering its ability to raise capital. Bloomberg says sources told them total payout is expected to be distributed over four years, with insurers vying for a significant portion to reimburse claims already paid.
Insurers are reportedly demanding nearly $2 billion of the settlement fund as reimbursement for claims they have already paid out. However, lawyers representing homeowners and businesses are said to be pushing back on these demands. The Maui County government is scheduled to discuss the proposed settlement at a hearing today.
UPDATE 8.12.24: State Ends Shelter Program For Maui Wildfire Survivors
Hawaii’s shelter program for people who lost their housing in the Aug. 8 wildfires has formally ended, although more than 50 families remain unhoused. Program was managed by state and American Red Cross, funded by the FEMA. Shelter program helped 7,796 individuals and 3,071 households, according to a news release Thursday by Gov. Josh Green and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.
Many people moved to mainland because they’ve given up trying to find housing in West Maui and those individuals and families aren’t counted in the official numbers of those served by FEMA, the state or the Red Cross.
Rebekah Uccellini
Rebekah Uccellini, program director with Makai Foundation, said many people who were directly or indirectly affected by the wildfire are still struggling to find housing. “People are slipping through the cracks,” Uccellini said. Josh Green failed to help all our victims.
UPDATE 8.10.24: Maui County Seeking Fire Settlement Options
Hawaiian Electric soared this week as Maui County is reportedly seeking fire settlement options. Hawaiian Electric (NYSE:HE) +10.7% in Tuesday’s trading following reports that thousands of people affected by the deadly Maui wildfires last August could soon be offered a settlement from Maui County.
KHON2 reports the Maui County Council is set to take up a resolution introduced at the mayor’s request for a “global settlement of all wildfire litigation against the county.” The resolution reportedly does not provide a dollar figure, but lists a total of 449 wildfire lawsuits filed by 2,216 affected parties.
The settlement move comes as the first of hundreds of lawsuits, in which the county is a defendant, moves closer to trial.
UPDATE 7.9.24: Josh Green Created DIASPORA with Lahaina Victims
“Really grateful to have shelter and not have to be moving around and not worry about anything being stolen” | Hawaii County has put up 20 tents temporarily on county parks property to provide shelter for houseless residents. [source]
Josh Green NEEDS to HEAR these comments. Josh REFUSED FEMA trailers and housing — scattered families all over, constant moving. How do keiki learn in school? How do people work? Residents of Hawai’i are creative and resourceful. Put them in tents, temp housing, they’ll turn the dwellings into homes. They simply NEED to be together. Josh’s arrogance created a DIASPORA of Lahaina Victims. Rich People don’t understand how much ordinary people in Hawai’i need Community !!!
UPDATE 7.2.24: Federal Bureau of ATF Completes Report on Cause of Maui Wildfires
Hawaiian Electric (NYSE:HE) fell 9.3% amid report that Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives completed review on cause of Maui wildfires. Late May, Hawaiian Electric claimed NO FAULT for deadly fire that destroyed historic town of Lahaina, and argued Maui County should be held responsible, according to a Bloomberg report at the time.
Public won’t be able to access report until Maui Fire Department releases it. ATF plans to post the 600-page report on its website — after Maui releases its own origin and cause report, which will include the ATF report. MFD does not have an estimated release date of ATF report.
UPDATE 6.29.24: Rebuilding Starting In Lahaina’s Burn Zone
Over 2,200 homes and businesses were destroyed by HECO-ignited fires on August 8, 2023. Gene Milne is one of the first to make progress: 23 permits have been issued in the burn zone with another 70 under review.
UPDATE 6.25.24: Lahaina Wildfire Death Toll Rises to 102
Officials have identified one more person who died as a result of corporate negligence by Hawaiian Electric executives that ignited the Lahaina, Maui fires, bringing the total to at least 102.
Claudette Heermance, a 68-year-old Lahaina woman, died March 28, 2024, following 119 days of hospice care on O’ahu. Claudette was hospitalized at Maui Memorial Medical Center Aug. 8th, and doctors transferred Claudette the next day to Honolulu’s Straub Medical Center, which has the only burn unit in the state. Brittany Lyte reported Claudette’s clinical treatment for burns covered 20% of her body and was complicated by other health issues. She started receiving hospice care Dec. 1st.
To date, HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura has refused to apologize to Lahaina victims, residents of Maui and the ‘Ohana of Hawai’i. Kimura and other Hawaiian Electric executives received pay increases.
UPDATE 6.20.24: Hawai’i Community Foundation Still Has MILLIONS to SPEND
Typical of Hawai’i, those with the gold don’t always share the gold with others quickly enough. Matthew Leonard, Civil Beat, reports that The Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF) launched the Maui Strong Fund immediately after the August wildfires, and as of May 19, $96 million of the fund’s $193 million has been awarded (49.7%). The fund was the principal recipient of private and corporate donations. Victims are suffering. Over 50% of available funds have NOT been distributed.
Of the $96 million, 75% went to seven grantees (below) in amounts between $40 million and $1.35 million. The remaining 25% was allocated to more than 170 grantees in amounts between $5,000 and a million dollars.
Chart: Matthew Leonard/Civil beat/2024 Source: Hawaii Community Foundation
A large portion of the funding – 54% – was allocated toward housing, 30% went to nonprofits working on economic resilience, 16% to health and social services and 2% to natural, historical and cultural projects.
However, the remaining $97 million has yet to be distributed. HCF now gathers data about the effectiveness of grants for a public impact report which will be released by early August, while 1,000s remain without permanent housing. Study long; study wrong!
Aware of the high level of interest in the foundation’s handling of the largest non-government wildfire recovery fund, HCF president and CEO Micah Kane stated “early on we brought in a national audit company, to do what we call verification and validation, and they’re looking over our shoulder at all of our processes, on every element of the disaster, with the intention of being better prepared for the next disaster.”
Lauren Nahme, senior vice president of the Maui Recovery Effort, said it’s too soon to say how much of the remaining funds would be devoted to construction of homes, but pledges the foundation will monitor the county’s developing plan. “Housing is clearly a high priority, so we want to stay responsive to that.”
.UPDATE 6.14.24: Helping Keep Lahaina Families in Lahaina
Eight months after the devastating fires in Maui, an estimated 781 Lahaina owner-occupant homeowners continue to face dire circumstances, living with either no home or severely damaged homes, and collectively holding more than $225 million in first mortgages.
IF YOUR FAMILY NEEDS HELP, VISIT:
Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program
Responding to this pressing need, nonprofit Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL) has established the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program, in partnership with Holomua Collective, and partially funded by a $5 million grant from the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
This three-year program will assist up to 500 owner-occupant Lahaina homeowners prevent foreclosure and qualify for financing to rebuild their homes, in addition to other services for those whose homes were not totally destroyed, but instead badly damaged.
The mission of Hawai`i Community Lending is to build the capacity of low- and moderate-income communities to achieve and sustain economic self-sufficiency. Right now, many Leiali‘i ‘ohana are facing challenges and delays in working with their insurance companies to access settlements for the damages to their homes, she says, including payments for much-needed testing and remediation.
HCL plans to start accepting applications from eligible Lahaina homeowners in July 2024. If you are a Lahaina homeowner who occupied your home at the time of the fires, you may sign up to be placed on an interest list by completing this Interest Form. For more information about the program, visit Hawai`i Community Lending.
UPDATE 5.29.24: Years Late, HECO Plans Power Shutoffs To Prevent Wildfires
California PG&E was held negligent in 2018 for company energized power lines causing the massive Camp Fire after high winds knocked their poles and lines to the ground. All electricity providers LEARNED from this tragic disaster — except Asian management at Hawaiian Electric: Constance Hee Lau, Alan Oshima, Scott Seu and current HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura.
Asians are many of the nation’s Best & Brightest — not in Hawai’i. Hawaiian Electric Asian officials are arrogant, incompetent and cruel. Jim Kelly, HECO VP of government and community relations and corporate communications, spoke at a news conference today at HECE’s main headquarters on O’ahu. Kelly briefed community officials about initial parameters for possible power shutoffs to prevent wildfires during high-risk weather conditions going forward — too late for the 13,000+ displaced members of our ‘Ohana suffering on Maui at this time.
Hawaii’s largest electric utility company laid out initial parameters today for possible future power shutoffs to prevent wildfires during high-risk weather conditions.
The so-called public safety power shutoff program slated to become active July 1 will initially cover about 48,100 customers on Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Hawaii island.
As of July 1, power could be shut off possibly for several hours to a few days in West, Central and Upcountry Maui. About 24,800 Maui customers are in areas subject to the program, some 19,300 on Hawai’i island, with about 2,700 on Oahu and 1,300 on Molokai. [see Maps of PSPS Listed Areas]
HECO is a Day Late and Dollar Short and has been working on developing the program in the wake of the Aug. 8 wildfire disaster that killed 101 people in Lahaina and destroyed most of the town.
UPDATE 5.28.24: Hawaiian Electric Failed to Act on Fire Prevention. Had Cozy Ties to Regulators
Lee Fang describes how Hawaiian Electric “despite years of Maui wildfire warnings, the Hawai’i utility giant punted on action and spent more on lobbying than prevention.”
Hawai’i state government officials and Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) were both acutely aware of the wildfire threat in Maui. Yet state regulators did not force action to mitigate the threat, and HECO, the largest utility interest in the state and the island’s largest publicly traded company, did little to address the problem. Current Governor Josh Green took some $20,000 from Hawaiian Electric executives in his campaign for governor. Cozy relationship. Green as Lt Governor did nothing; HECO execs did nothing — their negligence caused the destruction of Lahaina town and incineration of at least 101+ human beings, including keiki.
Fang shows how the two interests were deeply entwined, ethics and business records show. Every member of the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission, which regulates HECO, has financial or previous professional ties to the company.
Instead of action on wildfire upgrades, Hawaiian Electric splurged on peddling influence with regulators and politicians while singing its own virtues in splashy corporate marketing materials. The company even sponsored a documentary this year on Hawaiian television devoted to mitigating the impact of climate change. The chief regulator from the utility commission appeared as a talking head in the company’s documentary.
Put another way, ethics records show Hawaiian Electric spent $437,252 on lobbying state officials, including utility regulators, since 2019, far more than it spent addressing the Maui wildfire threat.
UPDATE 5.26.24: Hawaiian Electric BLAMES Maui County for Disastrous Wildfire
In 2018, high winds downed California PG&E energized power lines. Their lines ignited the massive Camp Fire. PG&E was found guilty of failing to de-energize their lines. Hawaiian Electric executives knew of the fires and should have learned from PG&E’s example. Company officials did nothing.
Now, in a court filing, Hawaiian Electric Industries and its utility subsidiaries blame Maui County for the fires that incinerate historic Lahaina town and at least 101+ human beings, including keiki, on August 8, 2023. HECO power poles were not maintained to code; HECO’s power lines were not properly insulated as required by code.
Hawaiian Electric’s 41-page filing marks the company’s first formal response to a suit Maui County filed in state court against the company in late August, and outlines four areas of alleged deficiency by the county: failures to (1) manage vegetation and invasive grasses, (2) plan for emergencies, (3) maintain adequate water systems and (4) respond to the fires.
Had HECO simply de-energized their power lines, fires would not have ignited. Hawaiian Electric executives are paid extremely well to protect the public’s safety. They did not (1) call for Maui County officials to do more to prevent wildfires; (2) did not manage vegetation and invasive grasses on their properties or properties HECO used on Kamehameha school lands, (3) did not have a plan to mitigate wildfire danger and (4) did not de-energize power lines after the National Weather Service warned on August 6th of powerful high winds that likely would down power lines.
Hawaiian Electric officials were criminally negligent and now blame others.
UPDATE 5.23.24: Greedy Green RIPS-OFF Lahaina Fire Victims
Always Aloha asked, “Will any of this money be going to Lahaina, Maui? What is the state going to be doing with this money. We need answers!” As governor, Josh Green organized the One Ohana Fund to convince families who lost a relative in the tragic Lahaina fires to settle out of court. Green took $20,000 from Hawaiian Electric executives and now protects the company, while cheating Victim Families. Green offers a Victim Family $1.5M — yet HECO pays CEO Shelee Kimura over $2M PER YEAR; HECO pays CEO Scott Seu over $5M per year. Green’s offer is not pono. He’s greedy and heartless offering desperate families in this difficult time far less than they deserve.
Greedy Green ONLY offers Victim families $1.5M to settle out of court. RIPOFF !!! HECO pays CEO Kimura $2M+ per year; HEI pays CEO Scott Sue over $5M per year. Use money for Victim Families. $5M per lost life (no federal or state taxes) — 101+ deaths = $505M with $411M remaining. Remember the One Ohana Fund has $150M at this time. Pay Victim Families fairly, Josh!
UPDATE 5.17.24: Lahaina Wildfire Insurance Losses Exceed $3 Billion
Steward Yerton reports local residents now looking at estimated insurance losses related to the Maui fires totaling $3 billion — and that’s only part of the damages residents and business owners have suffered. It’s likely damages will top $5 billion. These are steep numbers, and Hawaiian Electric Industries is among the defendants being blamed in court for the disaster.
At the same time, travel to Maui was down 25% in March compared to the same time last year, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Local residents are being crushed financially, emotionally and physically in health declines (see UPDATE 5.16.24).
UPDATE 5.16.24: Survivors of Lahaina Fires Experiencing Health Declines
Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) found that 46% of survivors o Lahaina fires experienced a decline in health from the previous year. In addition, roughly 74% of participants face a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease due to elevated or prehypertension levels, and up to 60% may suffer from poor respiratory health.
Residential impact: Only 34% of participants report living in pre-wildfire (their original) homes, while 56% are in temporary housing, and 10% have settled into new permanent residences.
Governor Green REFUSED FEMA trailers and MHUs (manufactured housing units) forcing people to shift frequently between hotels, short-term rentals, live in cars or on beaches. Trailers and MHUs would have given victims stability.
Employment and income: The wildfires caused almost half of the participants to lose their jobs; however, 80% have since secured employment, leaving 20% still unemployed at the time of the survey. Additionally, 74% have experienced a reduction in household income.
Food security: 47% of households report experiencing low food security, which is higher than previous rates observed locally and statewide.
Access to medical care, medications and health insurance disparities: More than four in ten people reported difficulties accessing medical care and medications, compared to about one in ten before the fires. Significant disparities in health insurance coverage were also found, with more than 13% of participants lacking insurance. Notably, nearly 38% of Hispanic respondents reported having no insurance coverage.
Physical health: Exposure to smoke, ash, and debris is strongly associated with worse physical health outcomes and reported symptoms. Based on tests conducted in February 2024, approximately 74% of participants face a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease due to elevated or prehypertension levels. Kidney function may be compromised in 8-20% of participants, and up to 60% may suffer from poor respiratory health.
Mental health: The survey found a notable increase in depression compared to before the fires, with more than half showing symptoms, significantly higher than state and local averages. About 30% of participants reported symptoms of moderate or severe anxiety. Elevated levels of low self-esteem (35%) and suicidal thoughts (4.4%) highlight severe mental health challenges for survivors.
Governor Green offers survivor families willing to settle out of court $1.5 MILLION for the life of a lost member. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura makes over $2 MILLION per year. HECO execs donated about $20,000 to Josh Green’s campaign for office. The Rich look after the Rich in Hawai’i.
UPDATE 5.13.24: The Destruction of Maui’s Economy Continues
“Our forecast for Maui is a 3,000- or 4,000-person loss of population between 2023 and 2024 and a very slow recovery.” That’s the opinion of University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization Executive Director Carl Bonham. UHERO’s report does not even take into account the potential economic disruptions from Maui or other counties passing new land-use restrictions for vacation rentals, which in recent years have represented much of the growth in lodging units.
⚠️4000 left Maui
⚠️5000 lost their jobs
⚠️Restaurants are now being affected
⚠️There has been no direct form of government assistance for most
⚠️Many small businesses have been denied their bridge grants, some up to 3x
⚠️ Visitor counts are down
⚠️ The economy is slowly diminishing
⚠️ International visitors have declined
Just wait until they remove the legal STVRs. This is only going to get worse. I’ve said that before and have never been wrong. [DaKine]
UPDATE 5.12.24: Local People FALSELY Blame “heartless, greedy, haole condo owners”
Hawai’i is fueled by the Coconut Wireless where lies and false rumors get halfway across the Pacific before truth is able to put on slippahs and boardshorts. Rose Tigarden took to social media to scold people who she considers to be “heartless, greedy, haole condo owners.” [note: haole is a racist slur used to denigrate White people, particularly from USA mainland; like calling Black people N_GGER.]
Hawaii Governor Green has announced that they have now found long-term housing for 80% of the fire refugees, leaving thousands still in temporary housing after 9 months. I say, “Shame, shame on you.” to the heartless, greedy, haole condo owners who refuse to convert their illegal vacation rentals back to long-term rentals. Without affordable housing for the hospitality workers there won’t be anybody to prepare meals, make the beds, or clean the toilets.
Rose Tigarden
Alan Brookes, who lives in Aspen, Colorado, responded, “we offered and they came and stayed then FEMA came and said it was not to their liking so they moved the people to hotels at $1000 per night oh well now they want to take away our income. we will see them in court!”
CHL responded to Alan and asked, “thank you for your kindness and aloha! We’re researching this corruption by Hawai’i government and FEMA. Why didn’t FEMA like your rental? Would appreciate learning.”
Alan: “I don’t know. Here’s what transpired we rented to the Red Cross in for a month and a half, and then fema came along and said all those people had to move to hotels. I know nothing more. You may ask Justin Brunold at KBM resorts, or KBM Hawaii, since they were in charge of renting to the Red Cross.”
We asked, “Thanks! Here’s our question then to you. If someone asked to rent your unit for three years, not short term, would you deny that request?”
Alan Brookes, “Probably because I use my place 3 months a year”
Rose considers people like Alan to be “heartless, greedy, haole condo owners.” E komo mai the Aloha State.
Can’t deny any person buying a second home in Hawai’i or elsewhere in the USA. If Governor Green and Mayor Bissen take away Alan’s short-term (S-T) rental permit, he doesn’t rent publicly. This limits the supply of available rentals for visitors, consultants or contract labor. Short-term prices increase; visitors are forced into more expensive hotels with fewer living amenities. Maybe fewer visitors come, taking needed income from Maui’s economy.
Alan might “give his key” to friends allowing them to use his rental without formally paying. The condo or home however might sit vacant some months. Most recent statistics showed there are about 13,000 S-T rentals on Maui and over 5,200 are vacant at this time. Resources are being wasted during a time of great need. Alan didn’t purchase solely to make money, but admits planned to rent when not used by family. Alan is a compassionate. Offered his unit to the Red Cross in the emergency.
Green and Bissen’s socialist hand in Maui’s market economy won’t solve the challenges of insufficient supply and high costs. In fact, Dr Green and former Judge Bissen show they understand economics poorly. Lahaina victims already suffered Green, Bissen, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura’s negligent action to protect the public safety. Now they further destroy the housing market.
UPDATE 5.11.24: Nine-Month Observation of August 7th Lahaina Disaster
This week Hawai’i recognized the nine-month anniversary of the deadly Lahaina wildfire. As Maui continues to recover, Wildfire Community Preparedness Day was held Friday at the Hawaii State Capitol. Only Herman Andaya resigned. Herman was actually doing his job. His rules said to “sound alarm in case of tsunami.” Was not tsunami. Mayor should have instructed him to warn resident. Mayor Bissen was nowhere to be found. HECO failed to protect the public safety. Governor Green was off-island during a major storm warning. No officials cared! No sense of urgency to protect people.
Governor Green, Mayor Bissen, HECO CEO Kimura … all still have jobs. Kimura makes over $2M per year. One Ohana Fund offers victims $1.5M for entire life. Talk about cheapskates!
UPDATE 5.10.24: HECO Finally Upgrades Poles & Lines in West Maui
Critical transmission line that serves as a back-up route of power to approximately 11,000 customers in West Maui is now online after Hawaiian Electric rebuilt the line along former routes in the Lahaina area with new steel and wood poles and electrical equipment.
Had HECO CEO Shelee Kimura focused on the public’s safety, rather than her over $2 MILLION per year salary, Lahaina would still be a vibrant historical town, at least 101+ human beings who were incinerated would be alive, and the over 13,000+ residents would not be destitute and suffering. Day Late and Dollar Short Kimura!
UPDATE 5.9.24: Lahaina Victim REFUSE FEMA Housing
Spoke to a FEMA employee in our complex the other day. She looked exhausted. “Long day,” I asked? She said, “yes, I’m exhausted. We’re working so hard to get help to needy families.” Thanked her for her courage and compassion. She looked at me. Was I serious? Again said, “Thank you so much for all you and FEMA are doing for us.” She started to cry. About 13,000 people lost their homes in the Maui fires.
Locals blame Joe Biden and FEMA. They had nothing to do with the Lahaina disaster. Incompetence, negligence at Hawaiian Electric, local state and government officials, caused the wildfires. They now encourage local people to BLAME the federal government. They seek to distract and deflect from their own failures by pointing to others. E Komo Mai, Hawai’i.
FEMA spent more than $5 million on nearly 500 empty housing units last month alone, according to a Civil Beat analysis. Locals refuse to accept these units. Locals complain because, “Much of the housing secured by FEMA is not in West Maui.” Gov. Green said some people have turned down matches “four, five, six times.”
Fire survivors have occupied 835 of 1,335 units FEMA leased directly from property owners. Remaining victims refuse. Property owners in the program are being paid an average of $6,000 per month.
Privileged Local Folks who have been displaced demand to be close to their jobs and schools. They’ve been living on Kaanapali Beach instead. Lahaina Strong now ends its 175-day occupation of the beach, Fishing for Housing, as a result of the state’s passage of moratorium on short-term rentals, see UPDATE 5.3.24.
Lahaina Strong spokesperson, Paele Kiakona, said the organization occupied the beach in the “heart of West Maui’s tourism industry to bring awareness to the fire survivors’ dire need for long-term dignified housing.” They aren’t seeking housing for victims. Kiakona is using this disaster to further their political agenda.
“As we pushed through those days on the beach, we realized that this issue needed to be dealt with for the future generations of not just Lahaina, but all of Hawaii in mind. As Lahaina Strong, we rallied hundreds, if not thousands to support the efforts to take action against the entirety of the short-term rental industry.”
Paele Kiakona, organizer of Lahaina Strong and “Fishing for Housing” campaign
CivilBeat reported taxpayer money has been wasted: “FEMA is on the hook to pay nearly $200 million to three out-of-state property management companies. Meanwhile, FEMA intends to stop paying for the hotel program tomorrow, leaving the state to pick up the tab.”
UPDATE 5.6.24: Ohana Hope Village Finally Opening To Maui Fire Survivors
Paula Dobbyn reported that Lahaina resident Michele Fernandez spent the last several months living with family in an enclosed carport in Central Maui, courtesy of church friends. Fernandez just learned she and her husband, two sons, ages 18 and 22, will move into a pair of modular homes at Ohana Hope Village in Kahului Wednesday.
A collection of 88 modular homes that Family Life Center erected near the airport finally received a permit to open from the Maui Department of Public Works. Families were told November, then February, then April 4 … Ohana Hope Village was halted for months with permitting and water issues.
There are more than 800 applications representing over 2,000 people who needed a place to live. Governor Green, Mayor Bissen aren’t in a hurry. They are toasty and comfy in their plantation mansions.
“We just assumed after the fire that people would come together.” Sellers is grateful the permit finally came through, but never expected the process to take so long. “Things don’t happen fast in Hawai’i. If Maui is to ever solve its housing crisis, “we have to move faster.”
David Sellers, Maui architect who volunteered to design Ohana Hope Village [source]
UPDATE 5.3.24: Gov Green & Maui Mayor Bissen CUT Short-Term Rentals
Short-term (S-T) rentals provide housing for tourists and contractors. They also provide income for local families. According to Maui Vacation Rental Association, there are about 13,000 units taxed at S-T rental rate: approximately 200 legal S-T rental homes, 160 bed and breakfast operations, 6,700 S-T rental condos and a handful of condos in hotel-zoned areas that can operate short term. Green and Maui Mayor Bissen, want to eliminate more than 7,000 S-T rentals on Maui by 2026.
S-T rental occupancy rate was 57.4% in March. Of 13,000+ available units, this means there are currently 5,590 available units. With thousands of victims from the Lahaina disaster, why aren’t more filled? Units are unsuitable. Maybe a second room in an occupied home or small ‘Ohana addition outside, but can’t be used for a family.
Subtracting 5,590 from the listed 13,000 available units = 7,410 usable family units. Green and Bissen want to eliminate more than 7,000 S-T rentals … which is nearly ALL the supply of usable family units. This “socialist” government intervention will create havoc in Maui’s S-T market. S-T prices will explode. Visitors and consultants will be forced into less desirable hotel rooms, which do not have cooking facilities or adequate space.
With higher prices and less desirable housing, fewer visitors will come to Maui. And, fewer visitors equal less revenue for county, state, families and small businesses. Governor Green is doctor, not economist. His short-term thinking harms Hawai’i and our people.
Solution was to use FEMA trailers and manufactured housing units (HMUs) for displaced Lahaina residents. Green claims people in trailer parks suffer emotionally. Being shuffled around from hotel to hotel, living in cars or with friends and family temporarily causes emotional instability. Better to have a “place of their own.” Green didn’t ask The Victims of Hawaiian Electric’s failure. Green ruled like a king … “let the peasants share a room with strangers.”
Josh and Jamie Green live in a comfy plantation mansion, while this draconian governor sticks desperate people in a back room of someone else’s house or takes away needed housing for visitors. Green has proven he isn’t compassionate or wise.
UPDATE 5.2.24: 55 People Have Settled with HECO, Government Out of Court
The family of each deceased victim will receive a set amount of $1.5 Million. What a scam! HECO CEO Shelee Kimura makes over $2 MILLION per year. A family gets less than one year of her pay, after Kimura’s company incinerated their loved one, destroyed their home and left them destitute for what will be many years. Of $1.5 MILLION, taxes take about 50% or half … leaving family with $750,000 for their lost member who will never be with them again.
Some people claim Josh Green is compassionate. Josh took about $20,000 from Hawaiian Electric execs for his campaign for governor. Josh now protects them. Great investment by Hawaiian Electric.
UPDATE 5.1.24: Hawaiian Electric Readies Plan for Cutting Power During Wildfire Risks
Now that Hawaiian Electric destroyed historic Lahaina town, incinerated at least 101+ human beings, including keiki, and left some 10,000+ suffering and destitute, the CEOs making multiple millions of dollars per year have prepared a plan to cut power during wildfire risks. Asians are the Best & Brightest in America. Not in Hawai’i. Asian executives at Hawaiian Electric are incompetent, cruel and a Day Late & Dollar Short. Not one has resigned.
California suffered the failure of PG&E, their electricity provider, in 2018, with the massive Camp Fire. Hawaiian Electric executives didn’t adapt, adjust or develop contingencies. There were asleep at the week; they failed to protect the public safety. Frankly, they should be in prison for the criminal negligence.
Under the PSPS plan being developed, the conditions that would prompt a power shutdown include high winds, low humidity and dry-fuel conditions susceptible to large wildfires. Topography and proximity to communities are also considered when determining PSPS risk. Not really that difficult, is it? Asians on mainland would have this plan prepared properly. Hawai’i got the bottom on the barrel management.
UPDATE 4.28.24: Hawaiian Electric Destroys Young Minds
HECO’s incompetent management incinerated a historic town and at least 101+ human beings, including keiki. They also destroyed schools. Lahaina Seniors wanted a normal year. The fires changed everything: Students at Lahainaluna High School say they’re searching for normalcy after the pandemic moved their freshman year online and the fires disrupted their senior year.
UPDATE 4.26.24: Hawaiian Gods Punish Hawaiian Electric
Hawaiian Electric management has cheated residents for generations. In 1887, William W. Hall, founder of Hawaiian Electric, led the coup against King David Kalākaua. Corporations and local businesses imprisoned his sister, Lydia, in 1893, who took the name Queen Lili’uokalani. HECO was warned about wildfire risks. They did not care about the public’s safety.
Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono :: “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.”
Hawaiian Electric is not righteous. The Hawaiian Gods now seek to dismantle the corporation.
Be sure to: Vote NO Against Hawaiian Electric Management for Incinerating Families in Lahaina
In 2019, stockholders demanded new management; people from mainland. Hawaiian Electric ignored stockholders and the public. Appointed Shelee Kimura as HECO CEO, a financial specialist who had no energy or engineering expertise. Under her direction, HECO incinerated historic Lahaina town and at least 101+ human beings, including keiki.
Hawaiian Electric (NYSE:HE) -2.3% in Thursday’s trading following a Bloomberg report that it is exploring options for its American Savings Bank FSB, including a full or partial sale. While it is not clear how much American Savings Bank would fetch in a sale, the bank’s average shareholder equity was ~$486M in 2023, according to Hawaiian Electric’s (HE) most recent annual report.
Hawaiian Electric (HE) has lost more than 70% of its market value in the past year on worries that it will be held liable for last year’s deadly Lahaina wildfire.
The stress has raised questions about the fate of American Savings Bank, Hawaii’s third-biggest bank and the only U.S. bank owned by a utility; the bank generated ~27% of Hawaiian Electric’s (HE) net income in 2023.
HECO’s Bill To Raise Money From Customers For Wildfire Mitigation Has Stalled: The utility wants to add a fee of up to 5% to customers’ bills to finance the program, but a key Senator balked. Governor Green stepped in trying to save it. Hawaiian Electric executives DONATED some $20,000 to Green’s campaign. Now Judas Josh pays them back!
UPDATE 4.20.24: Hawai’i Attorney General REFUSES to Hold Friends Accountable
Attorney General Anne E. Lopez’s much-anticipated report provides new insight into the fire response but does not address the cause of the fire. Hawai’i is the Most Corrupt state in the nation. The Oligarchical cabal of country club locals is incompetent and protects their friends.
HECO executives did not have a plan for wildfires; HECO executives did not care about the safety of the public. HECO power poles were rotten, termite infected, and not maintained to code or ordinate … HECO power lines in the area were not properly insulated to protect against sparking a fire. HECO executives FREELY DECIDED not to cut power, after the National Weather Service warned that high winds would likely topple poles and down energized power lines.
Attorney General Lopez won’t hold friends accountable. At least 101+ human beings, including keiki, were incinerated. Historic Lahaina town was destroyed. Over 10,000+ of our ‘Ohana are now destitute. Their keiki have lost another year of school. Many families are being forced off Maui or out of the islands.
Nobody from HECO has resigned. CEO Shelee Kimura sleeps warmly and safely in her bed each night. Hawai’i is the MOST CORRUPT state in the nation.
UPDATE 4.17.24: Report Details FCKUPS and HEROISM from Disastrous Wildfires
Investigation by Western Fire Chiefs Association released an 84-Page Report on the HECO ignited wildfire that killed at least 101+ human beings, destroyed historic Lahaina town and caused over $4 BILLION in damages — costs that taxpayer and HECO ratepayers will pay.
Hawaiian Electric (NYSE:HE) -14.6% in Tuesday’s trading, plunging as much as 18% to its lowest in nearly 40 years, following a local news report that an investigation of last summer’s devastating Maui fires did not find fault with first responders.
“After conducting over 200 interviews and reviewing numerous data sets, it is clear that the four major wildfires pushed the (Maui Fire Department) to an unprecedented level of strain. Despite this, the collective actions by MFD and law enforcement saved many lives and property across the island.”
HEROICS
“There were firefighters fighting the fires in Lahaina as they well knew their homes were burning down at that very moment.”
“We commend MFD for their swift actions to address the issues identified in this AAR (After Action Report), rather than waiting for AAR recommendations.”
FAILURES INCLUDE
Chief officers and some Maui Fire Department staff used “WhatsApp” for situational awareness updates, but not everyone in the department used the app.
Calls and text messages serve as the primary communication methods to staff up vehicles. Some staff members were not contacted and remained unaware of ongoing incident activities.
There was “minimal” pre-positioning of staff and equipment after the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning prior to the four major wildfires breaking out on August 8, 2023
On August 8, evacuation routes across the island were obstructed by downed power poles, trees, and wires, exacerbating pre-existing challenges with accessing and leaving areas.
MFD requested law enforcement to facilitate evacuations over the radio. Although law enforcement was part of the ICS structure, lack of co-location at Incident Command Posts (ICP) was partly attributed to the dynamic nature of the incidents and available staffing.
“Nearly every staff member and vehicle resource of MFD on Maui was deployed. The emergency response system did not break but rather it found itself outmatched by the extreme weather and fire conditions. Staff members endured shifts of 36 hours or more and risked their lives in a valiant effort to stop the spread of the fires and save lives.”
UPDATE 4.16.24: Lahaina Wildfire So Hot Dangerous Contaminants Vaporized
Paula Dobbyn, CivilBeat, reported that scientists, state officials and Army Corps of Engineers now believe the Lahaina burn zone may not be as toxic as initially feared. If so, clean up should progress much more quickly.
Experts believe wind-whipped flames that tore through Lahaina on Aug. 8 created an urban fire so hot that it not only melted glass, but may have completed combusted harmful contaminants, such as dioxins, heavy metals, flame retardants and forever chemicals, rendering them inert.
UPDATE 4.12.24: Department of Health Claims It’s Safe to Go into Lahaina Waters
Hawai’i health authorities announced coastal waters off wildfire-stricken Lahaina pose no significant risk to human health and it’s safe to surf and swim. NOTE: not significant doesn’t mean safe.
State DOH made the decision after reviewing water sampling tests collected by UH researchers, Surfrider Foundation and state DLNR. Authorities continue to limit access to some coastal areas around Lahaina’s burn zone as cleanup continues. Recreation won’t be allowed in these places.
Officials warned residents and visitors to limit exposure to waters off Lahaina since the deadly fire, told people to avoid eating fish from Lahaina’s waters. The DOH announcement did not address the safety of eating fish and other marine species.
UPDATE 4.11.24: DOE Failed to Inspect Lahaina King Kamehameha III Elementary School
Asians dominate public school administration in Hawai’i. I’m a 3rd generation teacher and have never observed such poor quality education. One school expert told me Asians are in control, but send their keiki to private schools. Claims Asians don’t want public school students to compete with their children. They want their kids to get high-paying jobs; want the children in the public school system to make beds and flip burgers.
Rory Inouye, Waiakea High sShool in Hilo, and Jade Pham, Kawānanakoa Middle School, Honolulu, are honored with $25,000 prestigious Milken Educator Awards. Are Asians ensuring private school children have better education opportunities than those in public schools?
DOE superintendent Keith Hayashi, DOE deputy superintendent Curt Otaguro, communications director Nanea Kalani, and DOE did not complete a full inspection of the campus before the Corps finished its construction in February and handed off the school to the department. BOE chair Warren Haruki resigned last month, and is waiting to step down when the state Senate approves a replacement — likely Asian.
Gov Green and official rushed a temporary campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary, which opened earlier this month. The temp West Maui site could cost over $100 million. Teachers have reported leaks in the buildings and that dark, foul-smelling water came out of the faucets at the school. Students can’t use tap water for drinking purposes.
Parents are also upset because there are “few covered areas to protect students as they’re walking between classes in strong wind and rain.” Our keiki aren’t even suitable for Hawai’i any longer … no can deal with a bit of rain and wind. What a mess!!!
UPDATE 4.10.24: Corrupt Hawai’i Government WASTES Taxpayer Dollars
While FEMA is trying to find longer-term housing for Maui fire victims, they are now facing criticism for miscommunication and wasted taxpayer dollars.
About half of the rental units are reserved for Maui fire victims 1300 or so but more than 600, and mostly former vacation rentals are still vacant even as taxpayers fork over above-market rent for them.
1,100 Pieces Of Testimony Against A Bill Went Missing For Days. The Bill Passed And Then The Opponents’ Letters Showed Up: Hundreds of Lahaina fire victims came out strongly against a bill that could allow HECO to impose a new fee on customers to pay off bonds with fees imposed on customers.
In identical testimony, some 1,100 opponents blamed HECO for starting the fires and said shareholders, not customers, should bear the costs.
“As a proud Maui resident who is struggling to move past this horrific tragedy, I urge you to reject Senate Bill 2922 and demand that HECO’s shareholders bear the burdens of its corporate gross negligence.”
UPDATE 5.9.24: Rotten HECO Pole Led to Wildfire Disaster
Most detailed account so far of Lahaina wildfire points to one termite-damaged utility pole. For less than $1,000, HECO could have replaced the pole. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura and other executives were more focused on their multi-million dollar per year compensation and bonus packages than protecting the public safety.
Gross negligence led to the destruction of history Lahaina town and incineration of at least 101+ human beings, as keiki. Some 10,000 members of our ‘Ohana still living a nightmare! Kimura and Gov Josh Green haven’t missed a meal !!!
Local ‘Ohana UNHAPPY that Gov Josh Green took some $20,000 from HECO execs in campaign donations and now protects HECO execs rather than their families.
Governor “White Board” Green, just posted… Maui update. 8 months since the fire and still have families living on the beach?! Who is tired of the white board? Check out the Band-Aid AGAIN! I believe on his thumb today. Haven’t seen the scrubs for awhile. God bless Hawaii.
UPDATE 4.5.24: Hawaiian Electric WANTS More Money From You
Hawaiian Electric executives failed to have a wildfire plan. They destroyed Lahaina and incinerated at least 101+ human beings, including keiki. Thousands are still living in hotels, thousands have moved off the island, and thousands are homeless. Nobody has resigned from HECO. CEO Shelee Kimura still makes over $2 MILLION per year. Didn’t even say they were sorry!!!
“I would like to understand the audacity of HECO in thinking about raising rates on electric bills to pay for their sloppiness.”
Lars Johnson, a Lahaina resident who said he lost everything when his home burned
HECO executives now want an extra fee of up to 5% added to electric bills to develop and implement a wildfire prevention plan. Hawai’i residents pay the HIGHEST electricity costs in the nation. HECO now wants more. How many more middle class families will be forced off the islands. The rich don’t care. They’re the politicians and executives. Good-bye, they say!
HECO’s Chief Operations Officer Jim Alberts told the House Finance Committee the utility needs the fee to create a revenue stream that can be used to borrow money to pay for wildfire-related costs.
The fee would be subject to review and approval by the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission, and would be capped at no more than 5% of consumers monthly bills, Alberts told lawmakers. [source]
UPDATE 3.30.24: Maui facing suicides, exodus amidst housing struggle
While Governor Green and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura remain safe in their O’ahu homes, organizers said 60% of Native Hawaiians in West Maui who were affected by the fire have left the island. “Every time they get a different case manager, they have to re-tell their story,” Rep. Cochran said, “they have to get this paper, get it signed, go back, I mean, it’s just been nonstop. We’re almost nine months in and we still haven’t built a home?”
“A friend of mine committed suicide, there’s deaths! And it is sad to have people move off, but it’s even sadder when people are killing themselves and no one is saying that!”
REP. ELLE COCHRAN, (D) LAHAINA, KAHAKULOA, KAHANA
Members of the Lahaina Strong community group gathered at the Hawai’i State Capitol on Thursday, March 28th, and said they understand that a short-term rental moratorium is no longer needed since displaced families have started to trickle into more permanent housing.
“We still need to tackle this short-term rental issue,” Lahaina Strong organizer Paele Kiakona said. “Because the short term rental industry has exacerbated the housing market and made it way too expensive for anybody to even afford a family home here in Hawai’i.” [source]
UPDATE 3.27.24: Local People in Hawai’i Say FCK YOU to Americans
Local resident of Hawai’i, Nicole Kuulei Carter, claims “still no help” from USA and Americans for Lahaina disaster. Nicole went to Kapaa High School, currently lives in Kalihiwai, Hawai’i, and is from Kilauea on the island of Kaua’i.
Nicole isn’t from Maui; didn’t live in Lahaina. Yet Nicole says FCK YOU to USA and Americans, claims “America is a sad joke;” claims she is “sad that Hawai’i is part of America;” and boasts that “we don’t act American. We act with love and care for everyone no matter who you are or what you are.” Nicole claims Americans “should be ashamed of themselves.” Nicole believes she lives aloha.
What selfish people in Hawai’i. USA and Americans had nothing to do with the Lahaina tragedy. LOCAL OFFICIALS are 100% responsible. Yet only Herman Andaya, official who failed to sound the warning sirens, has resigned. Hawai’i is the Most Corrupt State in the nation. There is NO accountability here. Nicole and many others blame USA and Americans.
A director of FEMA lives in our complex. There are over 4,000 employees under his command working to rebuild Lahaina. FEMA and the USA didn’t destroy Lahaina. LOCAL PEOPLE destroyed Lahaina. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura was warned. She did nothing. Gov Green did nothing. Maui mayor Bissen did nothing and wondered, “Who’s in charge?” (the mayor is in charge)
Look how Nicole talks about America: “America is a sad joke!” She flips off Americans. America didn’t destroy Lahaina. LOCAL PEOPLE did … and nobody but Herman has resigned. Hawai’i is most corrupt state in nation. Now Nicole and others want America to bail LOCALS out !!! That’s NOT aloha !!!
UPDATE 3.26.24: State of Hawai’i FINALLY Opens Lahaina Public School
Lahaina students had no classroom for the entire school year up to Spring Break. Rich keiki continued to attend private schools on Maui. Poorer families studied in cars, hotel lobbies or under tents in parks and beaches. Like the COVID19 year, these less advantaged students have LOST another school year. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Gov Josh Green & HECO CEO Shelee Kimura keep their keiki in private schools. They are responsible for the catastrophe in Lahaina! Resign!
UPDATE 3.18.24: Officials Demand Lahaina Fire-Displace Residents Get Out of Hotels
More than 3,500 people who survived the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina are still living in hotels set up as emergency shelters, unable or unwilling to move into longer term housing that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering through direct-lease contracts with Maui homeowners.
Why is HECO CEO Shelee Kimura Laughing? She still makes over $2 MILLION per year!
A recent business rule agreed upon by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state has been issued, authorizing Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) and a joint task force to implement actions that will help facilitate efforts to transition households out of Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) currently living in hotels. [source]
The State of Hawai’i has a record $1.5 billion in its Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund (EBRF). Yet the ongoing scramble for emergency wildfire recovery funding at the Legislature doesn’t appear dire enough to tap what is commonly known as Hawaii’s “rainy day fund” or EBRF. Legislators, HECO and Governor Green want ratepayers and taxpayers to foot the Lahaina costs!
Legislation moving through the Legislature would raise your electric bill. It would help Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) raise capital to pay for wildfire-related expenses, including all those lawsuits. Without the State co-signing its loan, HEI couldn’t get one. It would be forced into bankruptcy and debts would be wiped out in bankruptcy court. No debts = no rate hikes.
But, coming out of bankruptcy, new HEI owners would be outside Hawaii’s old-boy power structure. That’s what the Legislature is trying to prevent — and you’re going to have to pay $5B for it.
UPDATE 3.14.24: Over 1,000 Maui fire survivors to sue Kamehameha Schools, state of Hawai’i and Hawaiian Electric for their negligence igniting and fueling the fires
UPDATE 3.11.24: Hawaiian Electric Destroyed Lahaina. Now Seeks YOUR Money to Pay
“What HECO is asking for is the authority to put a new fee on the front of your bill, and they will use those funds for specific operations, that is to be determined,” said Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, chairman of the Commerce and Consumer Protection committee. “But it’s not clear yet. There are so many unknowns to HECO situation, that we are not at the point where I think the Legislature is comfortable just saying yes. How much money do they need? What is it going to be used for? What are the terms of these agreements?”
HECO President & CEO Shelee M.T. Kimura was awarded $2,077,532 in total compensation for 2023. She didn’t have a plan to prevent a wildfire disaster in the Lahaina area. Kimura was concerned about her family; not yours. Now you pay for her failure.
“The No. 1 concern is how is this going to impact bills, electric bills for residents?” [source]
HECO declined to be interviewed, but the company 400-page annual report laid out the impact of credit downgrades, causing a liquidity crunch — meaning they cannot easily borrow money that big utilities need even in good times.
UPDATE 3.8.24: Gov Josh Green and HECO Day Late and Dollar Short
Gov Josh Green, the Corrupt one, announced planned deployment of 80 wildfire sensors and 16 wind sensors across Hawai‘i. The initiative reflects the Homeland Security Department’s continued commitment to support long-term recovery efforts following the unprecedented wildfires on Maui.
Screenshot X: 3.8.24
USA Homeland Security Department had to step in. Hawai’i was a day late and dollar short deploying these sensors. State officials and HECO execs were warned about the dangers beginning in 2014. They did nothing. They witnessed the failures in California in 2018. Again, they did nothing.
X Screenshot 3.8.24
State officials and HECO execs are paid big money to protect the public safety. Day late and dollar short. They did nothing. At least 101+ human beings were incinerated; Lahaina destroyed; and over 10,000+ of our ‘Ohana remains displaced at this time. Mahalo Gov Josh Green, officials and HECO execs.
UPDATE 3.6.24: Oregon Jury Awards Additional $42 Million to Wildfire Victims
Corrupt Gov Josh Green, who shills for Hawaiian Electric after receiving nearly $20,000 in campaign donations, urges Lahaina wildfire victims to settle their losses for a measly $1.5M. An Oregon jury ordered PacifiCorp to pay more than $42 million to 10 victims ($4.2M each) for the devastating wildfires on Labor Day 2020. PacifiCorp was found liable for failing to cut power to customers despite warning from officials. [source]
HECO was warned on August 6, 2023 by the National Weather Service that violent winds would likely down power lines. HECO admits to taking no action to de-energize power lines, and faulty HECO equipment ignited the fire that destroyed Lahaina on August 8th, and incinerated at least 101 human beings, including keiki. Corrupt Green seeks to scare financially struggling families, hoping they’ll take small sum of money. Federal and state taxes will reduce the trifle amount, and costs are exceptionally high in Hawai’i. Smart families will wait for a jury trial and larger settlement.
UPDATE 3.4.24: Gov Josh Green Accepted $20K in Political Donations from Hawaiian Electric
Residents have wondered why Governor Green has been protecting and shilling for Hawaiian Electric, since the corporation ignited the fires that destroyed Lahaina, and incinerated at least 101 members of our ‘Ohana, including keiki. Now we know. Hawaiian Electric padded Green’s pockets. Hawai’i Governor Josh Green is one corrupt MTHERFCKER !!! Green got his 30 Pieces of Silver!
The total amount of individual political donations by Hawaiian Electric Industries and Hawaiian Electric Co. executives since 2020 comes in at just under $30,000. [source]
Gov. Josh Green took in two-thirds of that total with $19,375 in individual donations between July 2022 and October 2023. A dozen HECO and HEI executives gave substantial contributions including $4,000 from HECO President Shelee Kimura and $3,000 from HEI President and CEO Scott Seu. Green did not receive any funds from Hawaiian Electric CEG. Green’s running make, Lt. Gov Sylvia Luke, received a total of $6,300 from Seu and other executives.
UPDATE 3.2.24: Guilty Parties Attempt to Buy Off Victims. Don’t Fall for It
The $175 million One Ohana fund to compensate families of people killed in the deadliest U.S. wildfires in more than a century began accepting applications Friday from families who lost loved ones or were seriously injured in Maui’s wildfires. At least 101 human beings, and keiki were incinerated.
“I would be very surprised if 100% of people took this offer, because some people will find that it’s better to litigate. That is absolutely OK.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
Families of those killed would receive $1.5 million after their eligibility is confirmed by retired Judge Ronald Ibarra of Hawai’i island’s 3rd Circuit Court. Those seriously injured would receive a share to be determined by Ibarra.
People who accept the fund’s money will waive their right to sue the entities who contributed to the fund. Hawaiian Electric is the single largest underwriter at $75 million, followed by the state of Hawai’i at $65 million, landowner Kamehameha Schools at $17.5 million and Maui County at $10 million. Green said those who sue could potentially wait three, four or five years before they receive money and incur significant legal costs.
Remember that ANY large payout is taxed about 50%. Families receiving $1.5 million will “take home” about $750,000. The death of a family’s loved one is worth far more than this amount. Wait and sue!
UPDATE 3.1.24: Gov Green Opposes FEMA Solution for Housing Victims
According to the state’s Joint Housing Task Force, 659 households who are victims of HECO’s wildfire incompetence now reside in West Maui hotels, which is $1,000 per day, per family. State doesn’t have enough money. Contract with the Red Cross ends July 1st. Make HECO execs pay!
“Are we doing what they’ve done in other states, what FEMA has done in other states by offering trailers and tents?”
Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, (D) Kapalama, Kalihi, Kalihi Valley
Gov Green disagrees with standard FEMA housing protocols. “That was very distressing that anyone would suggest that after our people and many children were traumatized by the state’s worst natural disaster in history that they would turn them into refugees into tent camps and trailer parks,” said Gov. Josh Green. “I think it’s unconscionable to suggest that.”
Living in a short-term rentals are better? Being bounced from one location to another is better? Having to live on east side of Maui, and be forced to drive each day to west Maui is better? For these reasons, residents must demand accountability from incompetent HECO management. Their executives did not care about the public’s safety. Look at the disaster they caused to our ‘Ohana.
UPDATE 2.29.24: Permanent Dump Site Selected for Lahaina Fire Debris
Currently toxic debris from the Lahaina fire is being temporarily stored at an Olowalu site than is close to the ocean. Officials have selected a privately owned rock quarry in Puunene as the permanent dump site for over 400,000 cubic yards of Lahaina fire debris.
Selecting the site now reduces risk of ocean contamination and decreases costs having to move the toxic debris a second time. While the 20-acre property is expected to cause more traffic than other proposed sites, officials selected the central Maui location as it was a more safe distance from the ocean, homes, schools and hospitals. Media reported that cheers erupted after the county announced the decision.
UPDATE 2.27.24: Southern California Edison Pays $80M for Massive Wildfires in 2017
Electricity providers learned in 2017 and 2018 to de-energize power lines in high winds. Hawaiian Electric was not paying attention. Southern California Edison will now pay $80 million to settle claims on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service connected to a massive wildfire that destroyed more than a thousand homes and other structures in 2017. Investigations found utility equipment sparked the fire in two canyon locations on Dec. 4, 2017. The Thomas fire, which burned across 439 square miles in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
In 2022, former executives and directors of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)agreed to pay $117 million to settle a lawsuit over devastating Northern California wildfires sparked by that utility’s equipment in 2017 and 2018.
Hawaiian Electric faces billions in damages and losses for the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfires that destroyed over 2,000+ homes and buildings, incinerated at least 101 human beings, including keiki, and left some 10,000+ of our ‘Ohana terrorized.
UPDATE 2.26.24: Who Will Pay for Lahaina Fire Property Damage
Reality is starting to hit victims and residents of Hawai’i in the face. Emotion has dominated discussion and action since the August 8th disaster, triggered by Hawaiian Electric incompetence. Who is going to pay? Why you, my pretties !!! You will pay. Any state funding comes from increasing taxes on Hawai’i residents. Any Hawaiian Electric funding comes from increasing rates on electricity subscribers. YOU WILL PAY !!! Still nobody has resigned or lost jobs at Hawaiian Electric.
Officials plan to launch a $175 million fund to settle claims by families of people killed in the Lahaina wildfire. It remains unclear how the State of Hawai’i and Hawaiian Electric Industries will cover the property damage claims. Some estimates suggest property damage claims will exceed $5 billion. Ultimately, Hawai’i residents will pay. You and me!
Scott Seu, Hawaiian Electric Industries’ president and chief executive, said the company may look at “shareholder contributions” and new fees on customers to help cover claims. Why does Scott Seu, and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura still keep their jobs? Hawaiian Electric incompetence caused the disaster. Now, you and I will pay the costs — Seu and Kimura retain million dollar jobs!
UPDATE 2.22.24: Pop-Up Village for Lahaina Fire Victims Battles Red Tape to Finally Open
Construction on a project to provide rent-free housing to fire survivors began 11 days after the disaster, but the grand opening has been delayed by months. The largest obstacle centers on what to do with waste generated by hundreds of people living in a relatively condensed space, and how to provide residents with water for drinking, washing and fire suppression.
Second, the project needs access to a scarce resource that’s often fought over on the Valley Isle: water. Permitting obstacles have also gotten in the way, and the county isn’t really budging, organizers say. Meanwhile, 2,500 people are looking to move in. [more]
UPDATE 2.21.24: State Officials Consider RAISING TAXES to Pay for Lahaina
A daunting yet still-blurry picture of how much the state might have to pay for Maui wildfire recovery expenses in the near term emerged yesterday at the state Legislature. The People will be forced to pay these costs. Corrupt, incompetent HECO execs and government officials destroyed Lahaina. At least 101 human beings and keiki were incinerated. Some 10,000 of our ‘Ohana were displaced. Only Herman Andaya had the honor to step down. He failed to sound the warning sirens.
HECO CEO Shelee Kimura continues to receive compensation of more than $1.3 MILLION per year. HECO claims the company is financially stable. Wildfires didn’t hurt executives who destroyed Lahaina or their families. All is good in HECO-Town. Maui Mayor Bissen, who failed to take control of the crisis, remains in office.
Governor Josh Green refuses to demand accountability and hold officials responsible. The People now will suffer more being forced to pay for the failure of the privileged class in Hawai’i. Taxes will go up. Electricity rates will increase. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura continues as CEO. She belongs in prison.
UPDATE 2.20.24: Costs of Maui Fire Recovery Running Higher for State Than Expected
The State of Hawai’i is encurring about $1 million per day in costs to shelter Lahaina fire survivors, and concerns are mounting that the state may not receive as much federal reimbursement as expected. Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz is raising concerns as his Ways and Means Committee considers emergency appropriation measures.
Dela Cruz told reported that the state’s share of the recovery effort this year alone may amount to $600 million, which is the sum Gov. Josh Green had earmarked in his financial plan for the Maui recovery during the next four years.
UPDATE 2.18.24: Lahaina Victims Turn Down FEMA Housing
Why Are Hundreds Of Lahaina Fire Survivors Turning Down FEMA Housing? Because They’re Not In West Maui: FEMA has secured about 1,500 properties for long-term housing for fire victims but only about a third are in West Maui.
Enough of this spoiled, entitled, privileged behavior! Local Officials destroyed your homes. You do not call for resignations. We offer you temp houses. You say these aren’t good enough. Brah, you are selfish people! You do nothing but complain. It will take 5-10 years to rebuild. You have to cooperate. We live on islands. Many challenges. We’re all trying to help you. You don’t help in return. Practice gratitude.
UPDATE 2.14.24: Lahaina Death Toll Rises to At Least 101
Police identify remains of additional missing persons, as Maui officers continue their search for the two people left on the “credible missing person’s list” from the August 8th fires. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura still not held accountable for not having a plan. Makes over $1.3 MILLION per year. Failed to prepare for the worst. Failed her duty to protect the people of Hawai’i.
To date, 7,796 people have been moved into housing through the American Red Cross non-congregate sheltering program, but 4,961 more people remain in hotels, Governor Green said.
UPDATE 2.9.24: Six-Month Review Shows Disaster Continues
Not only did incompetent HECO execs and local government officials decimate Lahaina and residents, Hawai’i Department of Education now crushes learning opportunities for displaced families. Maui schools will provide as few as 126 days of instruction this year — missing nearly a third of the required school year. DOE asked the board to waive minimum school year length for all affected Maui schools. Could have set up temp schools in hotels. Young keiki will never recover.
“Without a doubt there is a ton more work to do. This is like a decade-long experience, not unlike 9/11 when people for year after year after year still need the support. They may get housed, but trauma persists.”
Incompetent Governor Josh Green. People will suffer for a decade
UH Manoa professors Ruben Juarez and Alika Maunakea summarized conditions in initial findings from 224 adult participants who signed up in the first two weeks of the study. There has not been much “spirit of Aloha” from officials. Governor Green, HECO execs have not opened their homes to people in need.
A. Self-reported health outcomes
- 49% said their health is now worse than last year (prior to wildfires)
- 24% reported not having regular access to medical care
- 13% reported not having health insurance (compared with 1.7% in a previous survey)
B. Physical health
- 74% may be experiencing poor respiratory health
- 49% exhibiting signs of mild to severe lung obstruction
- 33% have compromised lung function linked to impaired tissue oxygenation
- 21.5% have high blood pressure (stage 1 and 2 hypertension)
- 8-18% may have compromised kidney function
C. Mental health
- 55% are exhibiting depressive symptoms (compared with 33% previously)
- Depression rates increased with age, peaking at 75% in those age 50-59
- 34.6% reported low self-esteem
- 1.3% reported recent suicidal thoughts
UPDATE 2.5.24: Activist Shareholder Calls for Overhauling HECO’s Board
Corporate directors are inbred in Hawai’i. There is a lack of diversity in personnel and thought. As a result, the chairman of the board of Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. Timothy Johns is also the president and chief executive of a local insurance company that’s suing HECO and its affiliated companies, alleging Hawaiian Electric caused the Maui wildfires. [source]
Johns has recused himself from any involvement in potential claims, but the conflict of interest is glaring. At the same time an activist shareholder Kevin Barnes is pushing to replace HECO’s board in light of the Maui fires. Individual investor Barnes has stepped in to buy a position of HECO preferred stock shares since the fires, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. His position of 15,699 “Series H” preferred shares amounts to 6% of those total preferred shares.
Preferred shares of HECO trade on the over-the-counter exchange. They are different from the shares of the holding company, Hawaiian Electric Industries, which trade on the New York Stock Exchange. HEI is the parent of HECO and American Savings Bank.
Barnes is using his position to try replace HECO’s board members with people he says have better skillsets to guide the company out of the legal and financial quagmire the company has fallen into since the wildfire. Shareholders made the same request in November 2019. HECO ignored their calls, and Lahaina was destroyed, over 100 human beings killed and now some 10,000+ of our ‘Ohana displaced.
UPDATE 2.3.24: HECO Wants Public to Pay for Lahaina Disaster — Next Disaster as Well
HECO seeks to privatize profits and require taxpayers to cover losses. Utilities, insurers, large landowners and the state would pay into a “wildfire relief fund” to help pay for property damage claims. They will pay? They will use our money to pay into the fund. Folks, this example is why Hawai’i is ranked #1 Most Corrupt state in nation. These people are criminals and mafia. Sadly the general public simply has no idea how badly they’re getting cheated.
This is why February is Olelo Hawai’i Month. Learn the Hawaiian language. People who don’t speak or read English well are easier to control. Plantation owners did the same thing in the 19th century!
UPDATE 2.2.24: Hawaiian Electric is Day Late and Dollar Short
HECO is warning residents of likely power outages Friday and through the weekend. Energized power lines may be downed by strong winds. Heavy rains might also lead to flooding of underground cables and other equipment.
HECO now has in place “enhanced wildfire safety protocols,” due to the disaster the executives caused in Lahaina. As the saying goes, “day late and dollar short!” As of Friday, Jan. 26th, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) reported that 5,290 people remained housed in 28 hotels as part of the program.
HECO was warned beginning in 2014. There were wildfires on mainland, as well in our islands around 2018. HECO did nothing. Had no plan. HECO execs focused on their profits and bonuses — not the safety of Hawai’i resident. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura is learning on the job. Her incompetence killed at least 100 members of our ‘Ohana and destroyed historic Lahaina town. Kimura refuses to step down. HECO protects their own, not you and me!
More information on the new protocols, and maps of areas deemed at risk, are available at Hawaiian Electric’s website. Had HECO done this in August, Lahaina and our ‘Ohana would be vibrant today. Very, very bad people! They should be asked to leave the islands.
UPDATE 1.26.24: HECO Continues to CHEAT Residents
HECO’s plan (1.25.24) demands that The People bail out the company … by INCREASING our electricity bills. This option is a REGRESSIVE TAX. Hurts poor and middle class families more than those who are wealthy. This corruption dominates Hawai’i. The RICH eat first; scraps for everyone else. They have two homes; we have two jobs!
Better solution: HECO management and government fucked up! [1] HEI CEO Scott Seu and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura need to resign; be replaced with experienced professionals from mainland. [2] Bail out HECO using a STATE INCOME TAX … taxing the RICH more than middle class and poor families.
That’s what an aloha state would do. Watch! Governor Green, Speaker Saiki will protect the rich and punish poor and middle class people. These corrupt criminals belong in prison!
UPDATE 1.25.24: HECO Demands Ratepayers Bail Out Company Obligations to Rebuild Lahaina
As we warned, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura refuses to accept responsibility and step down for killing at least 100 human beings and destroying historic Lahaina town. Kimura was a “diversity” appointment and unprepared to direct our electric utility. HECO hired a girl to do a WOMAN’s job!
HECO execs have now convinced state legislators to bail out the killers by allowing the utility to raise cash and increase costs to consumers without going through the standard rate-making process.
Two utility securitization bills have been submitted at Hawaiian Electric’s request, and two more as part of Gov. Josh Green’s package the Legislature will consider this session, which opened last week and runs through early May.
The bills would allow Hawaiian Electric to issue a new type of bond to pay for wildfire mitigation and for expenses related to the wildfires that killed 100 people and destroyed much of Lahaina in August. Those expenses potentially include legal fees and settlements related to scores of lawsuits alleging the utility should be held liable for starting the fires. [source]
UPDATE 1.23.24: Insurance Companies Going After Hawaiian Electric
CivilBeat reports that insurers have paid more than $1 billion in claims to West Maui residential policyholders alone, and now they, too, are looking to collect. Will HECO pay for their incompetence and failure or Hawai’i residents?
State Farm and Island Insurance are among more than 140 insurance industry plaintiffs that have filed suit against utilities and landowners such as Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom and Kamehameha Schools. They’re arguing that these parties were negligent in allowing the fires to start and spread.
HECO executives were warned about tinder dry non-native grasses. They were warned about high winds. Their power poles were not up to code; power lines not insulated. They did not shut off power, de-energize, lines once warned. At least 100 human beings including keiki were incinerated!
UPDATE 1.21.24: Thousands Rally in Lahaina to Support Displaced Residents
People from across the state joined displaced Lahaina residents for the largest gathering in the town since the Aug. 8 fires.
Roughly 1,500 people registered for the Hoʻulu Lahaina Unity Gathering, joining hands and hoisting flags of the nations represented in the Lahaina community’s makeup.
Archie Kalepa, who founded the nonprofit Lele Aloha that organized Saturday’s event, said the people of Lahaina have to band together if they’re going to rebuild all that’s been lost. #LahainaStrong
Governor Josh Green attempts to insert his presence into this popular movement: “Our community came together to heal and reflect on the tragedies of the Maui wildfires.”
No, Josh, not YOUR community. Your Community is the privileged elites who DESTROYED Lahaina and incinerated at least 100 human beings. You protect YOUR Community. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen refuse to resign. We cannot heal until officials are held responsible.
UPDATE 1.18.24: NOBODY Was In Charge During Worst Wildfire Disaster in USA History
Three weeks after disaster on August 8, 2023, Maui Mayor Bissen told the public, “I’m not sure who was in charge.” NOBODY was in charge! Hawai’i residents pay millions of dollars for government and business services. When it mattered, none were sufficiently competent or capable of protecting the people. There are Three Cs of Leadership: Command, Control & Communication. Hawai’i officials failed all three on August 8th.
Allyson Blair, HNN, reports that Maui County Emergency Operation Center’s sign-in sheet is a public record, but officials have been reluctant to release the document. Of the 38 people who signed in during the disaster, the County redacted more than half the names — 20 total — something Toby Clairmont in his decade’s long career has never seen.
“Their job is to focus governmental and non-governmental resources and decision making. So everybody is standing in the same room, looking at each other, making collaborative decisions. So you know who was there, what their role was when they were there and when they left … we’d like to know who was there when those decisions were made.
Toby Clairmont, Emergency Management Executive, 3rd in Command
UPDATE 1.17.24: Support Lāhainā Strong at the Capitol on Opening Day!
Fire survivors and Maui community leaders, under the banner of Lāhainā Strong, are rallying at the Capitol, Wednesday January 17th, as the legislative session kicks off. As one of our O‘ahu supporters, we ask you to join us and support the movement as we bring our demands to the Capitol!
At 9:30am supporters will lead the Onipa‘a Peace March, sponsored by Ka Lāhui, starting from Mauna‘ula Royal Mausoleum and marching 1.7 miles to to ‘Iolani Palace, right across the street from the Capitol. At 11:30am the group will rally across the street at the Capitol to make sure that legislators know their simple demands for Lāhainā and all of Hawai‘i:
- House The People
- Restore The Wai
- Heal The ‘Āina
- Transform The Economy
- End Corruption
Please join and march with #LahainaStrong beginning at 9:30am at Mauna‘ula Royal Mausoleum or llater at 11:30am at the Capitol as we rally and make their voices heard to legislators.
UPDATE 1.16.24: Lahaina Wildfire Removal Begins Today
Debris removal process is a collaboration between Maui County, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and US Army Corps of Engineers. Debris from designated areas will be trucked to the Olowalu Temporary Debris Storage (TDS) site. Inefficiently and costly, debris will have to be moved to a permanent site later. Sign up for Debris Removal here.
This is a $40 million project funded primarily by FEMA and implemented by the Corps and contractor ECC Constructors LLC. They will move ash and waste from areas once owners have completed their right-of-entry authorization process. It’s estimated crews will removed 600,000 tons of ash and waste over the next year.
“It will be a long and challenging process, but as each load of ash and debris is carefully wrapped, wetted and hauled away, we will be getting one step closer to rebuilding Lahaina.”
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen
Entire operation is contingent on the completion of the Right of Entry process by property owners in the affected areas. Removal process will use a “burrito” wrapping method for each truckload. Officials hope to prevent debris and ash from becoming airborne during transport.
Each truckload will be sprayed with water and secured with thick industrial plastic, which creates “burrito” wrapping, and then sealed with adhesive to prevent debris and ash from flying into the air during transport.
UPDATE 1.14.24: Massive Brown Plume Has Scientists Worried
Da Kine posted on social media that a group of scientists raced into the ocean off Lahaina on Wednesday morning to quickly gather samples from a massive brown plume that surrounded the fire-scorched West Maui town.
Wearing waders, gloves and respirators, they filled buckets and test tubes with murky liquid that will help yield clues about what’s in the water. “We were seeing really high turbidity numbers like I’ve never seen in the field before,” said Liz Yannell, program manager with Hui O Ka Wai Ola, a group of nonprofits that does ocean health work. “Incredibly high.”
UPDATE 1.12.24: Hawai’i Named MOST CORRUPT in Nation
Corruption has been bad for decades. Corruption however led to the destruction of Lahaina town, incineration of at least 100 human beings, including children, and displaced some 10,000+ of our ‘Ohana. We call for the resignation of Gov Josh Green, Mayor Bissen and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura. All were warned. They failed to protect us! We will never forget; we can never forgive their incompetence, corruption and cruelty! [source]
UPDATE 1.9.24: HECO Calls Off Rolling Blackouts; Failed with Maui
On August 6, 2023, the National Weather Service warned Hawaiian Electric officials that high winds would likely topple energized power lines. HECO claims they had no plan to respond to inclement weather. However, HECO implemented “rolling blackouts” January 8, 2024, due to insufficient electricity generation. Could have done the same in the Lahaina area on August 8th. HECO managerial incompetence incinerated the historic town and at least 100 human beings.
“Due to insufficient generation, earlier this evening Hawaiian Electric began ‘load shedding,’ a process of systematically disconnecting customers in various areas around the island, as part of a predetermined sequence under the company’s emergency procedures. The targeted emergency outages are necessary to avoid a more widespread outage or damage to the electric system from an imbalance of too much demand versus too little available generation.”
HECO News Release
UPDATE 1.8.24: Maui Residents SUE West Maui Housing Developer
Our ‘Ohana is suffering, some 10,000+ family members lost everything, struggle for housing. Now the privileged sue to obstruct development of new housing. There is little aloha on Maui at this time.
West Maui Housing Developer Is Being Sued By Downwind Neighbors: Residents say red dust from excavation activity at the Pulelehua project is infiltrating nearby properties, causing a range of health and nuisance issues.
UPDATE 1.7.24: Maui Senator McKelvey SHREDS Government Plan and Action
“Nearly five months after the wildfire, I joined the Senate Ways and Means Committee on a site visit to the burn zone yesterday. I aimed to help them grasp the devastation firsthand. However, the predominant feelings were heartbreak for my community and an urgent need for action.”
“I felt disappointed upon learning about the State and County administrations’ unexpected joint announcement regarding their interim housing plan. Essentially, the plan will not only continue to exacerbate the rental market’s hyperinflation but also displace West Maui families by relocating them to long-term accommodations at Maui Lani, severing their community ties.”
“Many residents, including those with children in school, work on the West side. Forcing them to relocate, even temporarily—which history shows could mean years—to Maui Lani for housing is illogical when viable options exist in West Maui. Typically, it takes an hour to travel from Maui Lani to the West side on a Monday morning. Now, add trucks hauling debris and increased tourist traffic, and daily standstills become inevitable.”
How can this be a sensible plan? [more]
UPDATE 1.6.24: Green, Bissen announce $500M plan to house displaced Maui families
Government and nonprofit partners launched the Maui Interim Housing Plan, collectively committing $500 million to create a pool of more than 3,000 stable housing units with 18-month commitments: FEMA, $250M: State of Hawai’i, $150M; Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Maui Strong Fund, $50M; Maui County, $40M; CNHA, Kākoʻo Maui Fund, $5M.
“FEMA’s financial assistance has been a critical piece to addressing the immediate housing needs on Maui. In addition to the $250M FEMA is providing for hoteling and rental assistance to individuals, FEMA is currently leasing approximately 1,500 units to house survivors and is designing multiple group sites to house up to 500 households in Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The estimated costs for these efforts total an additional $450M, which greatly enhances our ability to house all who need it. This partnership is unprecedented and critical to our collective success as a state.”
Governor Josh Green
Currently, 2,400-plus households, totaling more than 5,928 individuals, remain housed in more than 30 hotels throughout Maui, in a program of non-congregate sheltering facilitated by the American Red Cross. The goal is to move all individuals and families who are in short-term hotels into long-term stable housing by July 1, 2024.
UPDATE 1.5.24: Hawai’i Management STUPIDiTY Continues
Maui Mayor Bissen announced Thursday that the location selected to hold debris from last year’s deadly wildfires that incinerated Lahaina will only store the waste temporarily. The Olowalu site will be used only until a permanent location is identified.
Officials have had over four months to select a permanent site: FAILED. Due to their incompetence, ash and small particles will be dumped at the Olowalu site, which alarms environmentalists. The toxic dump will be just 350 meters from the coast, where a reef hosts the largest known manta ray population in the U.S. and serves as a primary source of coral larvae for waters off Lanai, Molokai and West Maui.
Bissen reported there is an estimated 305,000 cubic meters of debris that needs to be removed, which is the equivalent of five football fields stacked five stories high. This toxic garbage will have to be moved a SECOND TIME — costing taxpayers double the money!
This failure documents the incompetence and stupidity of Hawaii’s government and industry. They waste millions and millions of dollars. Nobody is held accountable for failure.
UPDATE 12.31.23: Seeking Individual Smart Enough to PUSH Warning Siren Button
DaKine claims this buggah is “someone with respectful qualifications to do the job.” Maui Fire Department veteran, Amos Lonokailua-Hewett, has been named the new head of the county’s Emergency Management Agency, more than four months after a previous administrator stepped down amid criticism over his handling of devastating wildfires.
How do we know bruddah is competent? LOCALS destroyed Lahaina. LOCALS are corrupt and incompetent. LOCALS appointed this dude. Why not hire from outside Hawai’i. How hard is it to PUSH the warning alert button? All smiles until our peoples dies!!!
Ever heard of The Peter Principle? What you did yesterday isn’t a predictor of success tomorrow. The Peter principle is a management concept developed by Laurence J. Peter that observes people in a hierarchy tend to rise to “a level of respective incompetence.”
Nearly 1,000 Maui Residents were forced to FLEE the island in 2023. Officials refuse to accept responsibility. How many will be refugees in 2024?
While Green, Bissen and Shelee Kimura continue to neglect their duty to our ‘Ohana and resign, Guy Fieri dedicates his privilege to The People. Mahalo for the generous donation!
UPDATE 12.29.23: California Communities Offer Practical Solutions to Recovery
Had HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, making nearly $2 MILLION per year, paid attention to California after PG&E power lines ignited 2018 Camp Fire, Lahaina and residents would not have been incinerated. HECO and government officials were warned beginning in 2014. They cared only for their salaries, bonuses and stock prices — not the SAFETY of the people! Kimura, Gov Green, Mayor Bissen need to resign. We can never trust them again!
UPDATE 12.26.23: More Families FORCED to FLEE Due to Government & Industry Failure
“I kind of go between anger and sadness on a daily basis,” Chadwick said. “This has been my home for a really long time, and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else, and so being basically forced to leave because we can’t find any rentals that will take our family and dogs for under $10,000 and that in turn makes me very angry.”
We’ve been calling for resignation of Josh Green, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura and Maui Mayor Bissen. Now do you hear us? Our families lost everything including their homes. Why haven’t these three lost their jobs?
12.25.23: Lahaina Keiki Don’t Need Toys. They Need Homes
While this is a feel-good and heartwarming story, it’s a bandaid to the problem. Adults feel good, keiki get a shot of joy, but tonight they’ll all still sleep in a foreign bed. Hawai’i local government and industry officials failed the people of Hawai’i, particularly Lahaina, Maui, with their incompetence. Still Gov Josh Green, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, and Maui Mayor Bissen refuse to step down. We can never trust them again!
NBC News claims there was “joy and hope” again for these keiki (children) and their families. There were 881 registered keiki who made a list of what they wanted. Donations came from around the world. Mahalo and thank you, but an iPad isn’t helpful without a home.
UPDATE 12.22.23: No Place for Jesus. No Homes for Lahaina Victims
“All I want 4 Christmas is Long-term Housing.” As they say, a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Gov. Josh Green has not opened his home. Millionaire HECO CEO Shelee Kimura has no room in her luxurious plantation home. Jesus was born in a manger. Lahaina victims aren’t welcomed in corporate inns on Maui.
As government officials and corporate executives fail, community groups rise to the occasion. We will never forget those who destroyed our ‘Ohana. A philanthropic partnership led by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is offering a direct leasing program and increased stipends for hosts to expand options for Displaced Maui Families struggling to find housing.
What do you get when the only thing leadership cares for is greed, high taxation, and the push to remove STRs to fully maximize profits to the hotels and the stakeholders behind them? Longtime Hawai’i Visitors Bid Farewell: The Why Behind Their Leaving [Beat of Hawai’i]
After 14 years of going to Kaua’i (spent 2.5 months on my last visit), I am now going to Costa Rica for $125/night.
Ian
I’ve tried to reserve in Ko Olina in Honolulu but prices are ridiculous.
Martha
We have flights booked for February to Maui. Rates for hotels and resorts are insane. The Courtyard by Marriott Kahului Airport hotel was over $800 a night after taxes/fees. I’m waiting for deals on short term rentals In Waikiki… Worst case scenario is we cancel the entire thing as the flights are fully refundable.
Doug
As a Floridian who loves Hawai’i and would visit again, all I see everywhere are comments from the governor and residents about not wanting tourism and complaining that tourists are ruining Hawai’i. Couple this with the extremely high prices on travel and it makes for an unpleasant prospect. We are choosing to travel within the continental US and next year, to Japan. I hope Hawai’i is more hospitable to tourists in the future.
Jenn
Agree with you on rates, as even with the lower tourism, the rates do not adjust and just get higher. I am so losing my Aloha that was inborn from age 14… (Governor) Green’s comments are hurting all once again… Some West Maui hotels have canceled holiday reservations to continue to be able to house fire victims… People are increasingly afraid of booking Maui, worried that the government will take their rental away from them… I don’t want to go to a resort on Kaanapali and see sign-waving, and marches. It just costs too much to spend a so-called Aloha trip and be unsure. And finally, negative social media posts.
Sandi
Had a big family trip planned prior to Covid, once Hawai’i made it clear we weren’t welcome, we’ve been vacationing happily elsewhere. We fly from the NW down to Florida now instead and have had several great trips.
Casey
After visiting 2-3 times a year for 15+ years, it’s been made very clear we’re not welcome. Last visit to Kaua’i 2019 and BI 2021. Been to the Caribbean 3 times in the past year. Found our new place.
RMoeller
I have been traveling to HI annually since 1998. Covid & the fire made me understand how dramatically under-prepared the state of Hawai’i is for any type of emergency. Honestly, I don’t feel safe going there… I have stayed away for 2 years… I can’t be the only long-term Hawai’i traveler that feels that way.
Melissa
We canceled our March vacation in Maui and are going to Spring Training in Scottsdale, AZ. We can watch baseball… and soak up some sun at a reasonably priced resort. They also have some beautiful hiking trails. Hawai’i doesn’t seem to realize that there are a lot of other options out there.
Curtis
I canceled nights on Maui for more time on O’ahu and, given the continuing drama on Maui, am glad I did. One week on Kaua’i and then another on the BI before heading home, all at short-term rentals, as hotel pricing is absurd. If prices don’t decline significantly in the future, this will likely be my last visit to Hawai’i. It’s a big world.
Randy
Opting for Tahiti instead. (Hawai’i) Hotel prices are more than double what they were not that long ago. We love the islands, but not enough to spend $12,000 for a week. The anti-tourist sentiment combined with the hotelier’s strategy of less reservations at higher prices are essentially the last nails in the coffin for us. The Caribbean, Mexico, and French Polynesia are better options.
DJ
Just got back from a beautiful cruise to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Curacao, and Aruba. Not going to spend my money on Maui ever again. Tourists know when they are not welcome. We went there for many years, and now we will be giving our money to other countries and places that appreciate us.
Deborah
UPDATE 12.20.23: Maui Senator Claims ALL PEOPLE in Hawai’i Must Pay
Maui Senator Angus McKelvery claims Lahaina recovery requires “The Whole State Chips In.” McKelvey discussed proposals he’ll bring to the Legislature next session after HECO’s wildfire devastated his district.
The PEOPLE did not cause this disaster. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura failed her duty to protect us. State and country officials failed their duty. They should pay, not the people!!! HECO electricity rates already increasing to pay for damages; state taxes increasing. Now, officials want the people to pay even more for their failure. Kimura has not lost her job. Green, Bissen still keep their jobs. None have lost their homes. The Rich push all the pain on the people.
Governor Green, HECO CEO Kimura, Oprah and other privileged folks still have not opened their home or extra bedrooms to Maui victims. They want you to help. They do not!
UPDATE 12.18.23: Da Kine @ResidentAlienHI Provides 5 Month Update
“Downright inhumane” — Maui victims plea for aid after fires charred homes, lives, history. Burns and others who long have feared being displaced from the island they’ve lived on for generations are angry about the lack of help available. They blame city and state officials for not doing enough to free up housing. Many are facing emotional distress. There have been 10 reported suicides on the island since the wildfires, according to local police. [more from USA Today]
❌ NO financial assistance for small businesses
❌ NO financial assistance for rent or mortgages
❌ NO financial assistance for bills due
❌ Unemployment ends for most in a few weeks
❌ Residents are still laid off from work
❌ Close to 7000 residents still in hotels
❌ Vehicles have been repossessed for some not able to afford their payments
Don’t believe anything @GovJoshGreenMD says. Everything he has stated has been one lie after another.
UPDATE 12.16.23: Governor Green Threatens to NUKE Maui
CRINGE ALERT … Disastrous optics!!! Talk about tone deaf leadership. After incompetent HECO execs and government officials torched historic Lahaina town and incinerated at least 100 human beings, Governor Josh Green threatened that he will strike Maui what he called “the nuclear hammer” sometime in mid-January “if necessary. … I’ll take whatever action’s necessary” to get 3,000 families out of hotels and into long-term housing.
As of 12.14.23, approximately 6,297 people are still living in local hotels. As Maui’s tourism industry works to recover, hotels want to open their rooms to outsiders. Why not put visitors in short-term rentals and reserve hotels for local victims of the tragic disaster? Why do outsiders get better treatment than local families?
Gov. Green demands owners of 3,000 short-term rental units on Maui convert to long-term housing for victims — or face a ban on short-term rentals. Maui owners who convert their short-term rentals into long-term leases for fire evacuees would see no property taxes, and rental incomes above market rates.
The governor’s current emergency proclamation following the Aug. 8 wildfires expires Jan. 4th. CivilBeat reported that Green said he has spoken to some owners, “We have had multiple individuals share with us insinuating comments that they shouldn’t be forced to change their model, that that’s their right to rent to whomever they choose,” he said, adding that it angered him to hear that some people did not want to rent to local people.
Green also provided additional information on the One Ohana Initiative, a state-coordinated settlement fund for victims of the fires. The program attempts to bribe families who lost a loved one to settle for up to $1.5 million per loss from the state and participants, including Kamehameha Schools and Hawaiian Electric Company. Families would be required to drop any lawsuits against the state, county, HECO, KS and other named defendants in multiple lawsuits that grow in number every week.
DO NOT SETTLE AT THIS TIME!!!
Dexter Yuen reminds us that some 400,000 TONS of Lahaina toxic materials, construction dust and human remains are to be deposited in a mass grave. Thanks Governor Green, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, Mayor Bissen et al. Your incompetence will never be forgotten.
UPDATE 12.14.23: New Technology Used to Design Recovery Plan as Phase 2 Begins
New technology is being used to collect data as wildfire recovery enters a new phase in West Maui. The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and the County of Maui are using the 3D technology to better visualize the extent of damage in Lahaina as they design a recovery plan.
State officials say visualizing and understanding the entire scope of the damaged area allows recovery partners to find better solutions for the people of Lahaina. The data is being shared to a wide audience of experts and companies not only here in Hawai‘i but around the world.
“The devastation on Maui has reminded us that our lives can be turned upside-down in an instant. We appreciate the positive efforts of our government agencies, nonprofits and those in the business sector who are serving in any way they can to help our Maui ʻohana recover.”
Hawai’i Governor Josh Green
Governor Green is correct that FAILURE by HECO executives and incompetent government officials turned the Maui ‘Ohana upside down in an instant. That’s why planners “prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, Governor Green and Maui Mayor Bissen failed. None have resigned or apologized.
Families Displaced By Maui Fires Tired Of Shuffling Between Hotels
CivilBeat reports that the American Red Cross is continuing to negotiate with hotel and condo properties to extend sheltering program contracts. Enough.Is.Enough. Leave our ‘Ohana alone! Stop being greedy!
UPDATE 12.12.23: Lahaina Ash Testing Shows Elevated Levels of Toxic Substances
Hawaiʻi Department of Health released data showing elevated levels of arsenic, lead, antimony, cobalt and copper in wildfire ash collected in Lahaina, and the burn zone area along Front Street reopened Monday, Dec. 11, to Lahaina residents and owners with entry passes.
Wildfire ash and dust are toxic and should be avoided. Lahaina data validates that the primary contaminant of concern is arsenic, a heavy metal that adheres to wildfire dust and ash. This finding reinforces the need to diligently follow recommendations to reduce potential exposure. [more]
“These data validate that the Lahaina ash contains toxic substances. While the concentrations of these substances are lower than the Kula ash results, they are still elevated and it continues to be extremely important to take precautions. The risk remains greatest from ash ingestion. Inhaling disturbed ash and dust is also a potential route of exposure. We’ve been closely monitoring air quality in Lahaina and air sampling in Kula during debris removal which have been reassuring.”
State Health Director Dr. Kenneth S. Fink
FEMA Kahului Disaster Recovery Center will close at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, but disaster-related assistance for survivors of the August wildfires will remain available at multiple locations on Maui. [more]
Entire State Still Negatively Impacted Due to HECO and Government Incompetence
Drop in visitor arrivals on Maui caused Hawai’i to suffer an overall 6.2% decline in revenue from August through October, compared to same period in 2022, and decrease in state general excise tax collections of 1.7%.
UPDATE 12.11.23: Maui Looking at up to $100K for Ohana Unit Construction
On Friday, Maui County Council will consider legislation setting criteria for the Ohana Assistance Pilot Program, which provides grants of up to $100,000 for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or second farm dwelling for long-term occupancy.
Under the proposal, property owners who receive grants would be required to rent their ohana unit at an affordable rate (meeting federal guidelines or less) for at least 10 years. If less than a decade, owners would be required to pay the county a prorated repayment based on the number of years they remained in the program.
Secondary apartments, also known as mother-in-law apartments or granny flats, have been criticized in some areas for causing parking problems and overcrowding, changing the appearance of the districts and undermining the single-family character of the districts.
Lahaina School Replacement 2-3 Months Away
A new temporary school being built to replace King Kamehameha III Elementary School campus destroyed by Hawaiian Electric ignited Lahaina fire will not be ready for students and teachers until late February or March at the earliest, according to an Army Corps of Engineers schedule.
About 640 students were enrolled at the original King Kamehameha III Elementary School at 611 Front St., which was damaged beyond repair by the Aug. 8 wildfire. The temporary school will house 600 students in portable “modular buildings” and include 30 “classrooms”; an administration building; a learning resources building with a library, offices and workspaces; a dining room; a basketball court; and a fenced play area, Nanea Kalani, DOE communications director said.
The school year will not be extended beyond May 30 for students affected by the wildfires –- many missed about two months of school and some students still have not returned to class. The department and teachers union are not willing to put students first.
UPDATE 12.10.23: Maui Wildfire Litigation Expected to Surge
Although Governor Green, HECO and Kamehameha Schools have dangled some cash before Lahaina victims, StarAd reported that the number of fire loss lawsuits filed in state court have topped 70, and is expected to soar into the hundreds — and perhaps beyond 1,000 — to easily become the biggest incidence ever of mass tort litigation in Hawai’i.
Hawaiian Electric continues to claim that the electric utility management was not responsible for the wildfires on Maui and that power lines had been shut hours prior to the deadly blaze that devastated the island. HECO didn’t post fire spotters after the National Weather Service warned winds could bring down power lines on August 6th; didn’t remain at the initial fire location to watch for ignition of the smoldering embers on August 8th. We can never trust HECO management again!
Nearly 10,000+ residents lost everything, at least 100+ lost their lives, due to the cruel incompetence of HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, state and county government and Kamehameha schools. Locals love to blame outsiders for their shortcomings. This disaster was 100% a Local Failure. Only Herman Andaya has resigned. The remaining culprits have no honor!
UPDATE 12.9.23: Maui Mayor Bissen Received Specialized Security; Should Resign
Taxpayers not only cover the incompetent official’s salary, we learn now that they paid to protect him! Public Safety Department said it’s covering the cost upfront, meaning state taxpayers are paying, but the department will “request reimbursement through the federal government funding related to the Maui wildfire response.” Federal taxpayers will pay! That’s money meant to help fire victims. Why should anyone pay for Bissen’s failure? Both Bissen and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura should do the honorable act to resign. The people demand accountability.
“I’m initially heartbroken. And then I’m instantly enraged. Every dollar counts, $100,000 could easily easily be somebody’s rent for possibly the next year.”
Camron Hurt of Common Cause Hawai’i
The RICH eat first in Hawai’i. Crumbs for ordinary people!
UPDATE 12.6.23: Maui Mayor Calls for Shared Sacrifice
Incompetent HECO executives failed residents on Maui; corrupt and incompetent government officials failed residents on Maui. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura refuses to step down or open her home to victims. No sacrifice. Government officials aren’t willing to help either. No sacrifice demanded of the privileged. They are not offering.
Maui County Council on Tuesday approved Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposal to offer a substantial tax break to homeowners who convert their short-term rentals into long-term housing for those displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfires. Terrible leadership in Hawai’i. The privileged take advantage.
UPDATE 12.1.23: UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS 1000% Higher on Maui Than Normal
Howard Dicus provides latest trends in unemployment claims from Maui, 5,039 week ending 11.25.23. “Mainly due to residents NOT wanting to go back to work for the hotels. Most people I know who used to work at the hotels left for another career field. Bank Tellers, Construction, Law Enforcement, Government Jobs, etc.” [Da Kine]
UPDATE 11.29.23: Victims Ordered to Vacate Hotels. Green Proposes New Housing Plan
Keeping Lahaina fire victims in hotels is too costly — some $700 million for another 18 months. Governor Green proposes using short-term vacation rentals, hoping to induce owners of 2,000 to 3,000 units to rent long term by offering premium rents. Those would start at $5,000 a month for a studio or one-bedroom home. Property owners also would not have to pay the state’s 10.25% transient accommodation tax for two years.
“We’re at pretty serious risk for significant loss of population on Maui. And yeah, really, that’s what keeps me awake at night.”
Carl Bonham, executive director, UHERO
In addition, FEMA funds up to $50,000 per unit would be used to build 1,000 accessory dwelling units, often called ohana units, on private residential properties. Property owners would be able to choose from five models pre-approved by Maui County to house displaced Lahaina residents, and any needed zoning changes would be approved within 30 days.
UPDATE 11.28.23: Maui Fire Update from Da Kine, @ResidentAlienHI
With over 6000 residents looking for housing, there seems to be a surge in people trying to move out here from the mainland. They’re currently not residing in a residential unit but have shipped vehicles to sleep in while waiting for a unit.
At the same time, many residents on the Westside are moving off the island, including myself, to assist fire survivors in taking our places due to necessity and Pono (to do the right thing)
With this push, we are asking fire survivors to place an ad on Craigslist in the “WANTED SECTION.” Please make sure you also place “FIRE SURVIVOR” in the subject line so our landlords can contact you directly.
Landlords, the great ones, do not want to post their units in fear of people who are selfish and to help them avoid people flooding their emails and try and attempt to take away a home from a fire survivor.
Visitors and time share owners are being forced to come out on vacation by the major hotels. Hotels are not working with credits for the time share owners for their time slots and are even saying that they would lose out on their investments for not showing up. At the same time, they are still being harassed by hotel employees for upgrades to their current membership plans.
Most of the timeshare owners want to be respectful and not come visit while so many are looking for housing. The Hotels do not care as they wish to start profiting and move on from this disaster. These are also the same Hotels about to kick out fire survivors to house the certain people who don’t wish to come out and allow the fire survivors their unit for the week they should be here.
UPDATE 11.26.23: Electrifying Deal: Looking for a unique holiday gift?
Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura has the perfect island option with their Lahaina Special — just $49.99 limited offer. Regularly $450. Spark excitement while your toddler, keiki or bestest explores the wonders of firelighting. Suitable for high-wind hurricane conditions. All proceeds go to #LahaianaStrong
UPDATE 11.25.23: HELP! HELP! Maui fire relief housing program calls for help
Gov. Josh Green and the Hawai’i Housing Finance and Development Corp. are renewing calls for homeowners to offer their unoccupied rooms, units or houses to help Maui wildfire survivors.
Governor Green has NOT offered rooms in his home; Maui Mayor Bissen has NOT offered rooms in his home. HECO CEO Shelee Kimura has NOT offered rooms in her home. Oprah & Rock have NOT offered rooms in their mansions!
“We are grateful for the empathy and generosity that many Hawaii homeowners displayed by providing safe and secure havens for those most affected by the tragedy in Lahaina. But we still need many other property owners to step up to the plate to offer longer-term housing opportunities for those who need it.”
Governor Josh Green
At least 100 people died due to the Aug. 8 wildfires, and thousands lost their homes. More than 2,700 structures in Lahaina were destroyed by the fires, many of which were homes, including single-family homes and multistory apartment buildings.
Green said that until Lahaina can be rebuilt, the state’s goal is providing a more stable long-term housing solution to every family. It will be around 7-10 years before Lahaina will be rebuilt.
According to the state, 575 families had been placed as of Tuesday : 410 on Maui, 107 on Oahu, 44 on Hawaii Island, eight on Kauai and six out of state. [source]
UPDATE 11:23:23: Incompetent Locals Destroyed Lahaina. Corrupt Government Cannot Care for Them
Allison Schaefers reported that this week, many in West Maui hotel shelters were reeling after learning that as of Nov. 30 some hotels were ending Red Cross contracts or reducing rooms in the program. Should be plenty available rooms: Despite a decrease in the number of Maui County’s vacation rentals, occupancy was at only 50.8% in October, according to data from the Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.
Governor wants to build a $400 million sports stadium on O’ahu. Can’t find money to shelter families on Maui. Still no resignations! People are not thankful for leadership in Hawai’i.
UPDATE 11.22.23: Never Forget — Locals Destroyed Lahaina and Incinerated 100+
Ana Vee in her hit song, Hawai’i, sings, “blessed to be born and raised, local grown.” Kanaka Maoli can’t blame Europeans or White “haole” folks this time. HECO and government fully staffed by incompetent local grown folks destroyed Lahaina, 2,000s of homes and incinerated 100+ of human beings.
“Not a single person in Lahaina caused this disaster; it was the wrongdoers, and there needs to be accountability. I would like to see the governor talk more about that.”
Jesse Creed, Los Angeles-based lawyer licensed in Hawai’i
Now runoff of toxic ash will likely harm the aquatic environment, including fish, honu, monk seals and other creatures that inhabit the sea. We can never trust locals again!
Hawaiian Electric has reported over $10 million thus far in legal expenses. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 the Company’s incremental expenses related to the Maui windstorm and wildfires, which excludes the $75 million contribution and insurance receivable as discussed in Subsequent event — One ‘Ohana Initiative in Note 2 of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, were as follows (p65):
Hawaiian Electric expects to continue to incur significant expenditures in connection with the Maui windstorm and wildfires; however, the Company is looking to mitigate the financial impact through seeking insurance recoveries as well as the Utilities requesting for deferral treatment for incremental non-labor expense. [source]
UPDATE 11.20.23: At Least Two Years Until Home Rebuilding Can Begin. Patience!
Seven weeks after Lahaina fire, Randy Dadez sits on a couch scrolling social media in his FEMA-funded room at a Fairmont hotel in Wailea, a resort area about 45 minutes south of Lahaina. Reconstruction is now marred by the intricacies of a federally funded disaster cleanup. Local authorities have advised patience, predicting that it could be two years or more before property owners can begin to rebuild their homes in Lahaina. [source]
UPDATE 11.15.23: Hawaiian Electric Company Starts Massive Fire in Waianae
HECO CEO Shelee Kimura is accepting awards, but hasn’t learned from the Lahaina disaster. Dangerous wildfire broke out Tuesday, Nov. 14th, on dry, leeward side of O’ahu, which started after one of HECO’s hired spotters saw a power line fall in that area amid heavy winds. [source]
New HECO-ignited wildfire required HFD to commit 18 units, including fire engines and a helicopter, to battle the blaze. Scattered rain showers assisted efforts by fire fighters, although several large chicken coops were destroyed and at least one home was damaged.
Hawaiian Electric’s new wildfire plan still does not include a power line shutoff program, and company officials say they’ve only just begun the necessary talks to launch that effort. Why hasn’t CEO Shelee Kimura resigned? She’s not capable of keeping Hawai’i residents safe. Her body count is up to 100, as of 11.15.23 (below).
UPDATE 11:15:23: 100th Lahaina Fire Victim Identified by Maui Police
Sharlene Rabang, 78, of Lahaina, was publicly identified after her family was notified. Her death increases and revises the number of confirmed fatalities to 100, up from 99. View the list human beings, and many keiki, incinerated by the incompetence of Hawaiian Electric and government officials.
UPDATE 11.12.23: State of Hawai’i STEALS from Peter to Pay Paul
Money allocated toward Hawai’i projects statewide will be used for Maui fire response instead. Rather than tax the rich in Hawai’i, Governor Green proposes to STEAL some $172.6 million previously appropriated for numerous public purposes for Maui wildfire responses, such as Hawai’i Convention Center roof repairs, state parks renovations and agricultural warehouses.
Josh Green leaves our island in need of repair and creates more debt for the public in future years. Governor will do anything not to tax his rich friends. Continues to force ordinary families to suffer this plutocratic system. [source]
UPDATE 11.11.23: Grassroots Orgs Launch Fish-In for Dignified Housing
On Kā‘anapali Beach near Whalers Village, 28 grassroots community organizations under the “Lahaina Strong Hui” launched “Fish-In For Dignified Housing.” The West Maui organizations set up pop-up tents and fishing poles on the sandy beach, with plans to stay “for as long as it takes” until demands for long-term housing solutions for people displaced by the Lahaina fire are met. [source]
There is a law in Hawaiʻi that loosely states: If you are fishing at the beach (a pole in the sand, with fishing line cast into the ocean), you are legally allowed to stay at any public beach overnight any day of the week.
The coalition said it is urgent that these steps be taken due to the impending sheltering crisis, with many of the West Maui hotel contracts with the Red Cross to house fire survivors set to expire on Nov. 30, potentially leaving thousands of families currently housed in the hotels with no place to live.
“The haste to reboot tourism brings with it the specter of displacement and further indifference to those already suffering. Countless of our kin linger in temporary shelters, with the looming threat of being uprooted yet again. That is why today, we plant our feet firmly, vowing to remain steadfast until our voices are heard, our needs met.”
Paele Kiakona
The coalition is urging Maui Mayor Bissen and Governor Josh Green to harness their political power to transform short-term rentals into stable homes for those displaced, and to enact policies that protect the displaced fire survivors from the variabilities of the housing market.
Using emergency powers, the coalition said Bissen and Green can convert the thousands of Transient Vacation Rentals and Short Term Rentals on the West Side into Long Term Rentals, and continue and enhance the controls on rent to ensure affordability to residents and relief agencies.
UPDATE 11.10.23: Hawaiian Electric TURNED ON Power That Ignited Deadly Fire
On the morning of Aug. 8, the power was out in West Maui above Lahaina. Lines could have stayed de-energized, but the company rebooted a tripped transmission line. Power came back on around 6 a.m. and a fire sparked within an hour — potentially the origin of the deadly fire that leveled much of Lahaina.
In a crisis, officials should establish Command, Control and Communication. Hawaiian Electric, state and county government were totally incompetent. Some 10,000+ residents, 1,000s of homeowners and business operators, the island of Maui and our state lost everything and still suffer. Will take many years to recover. What do these victims do?
Read more about Hawaiian Electric’s actions that day from newly released testimony to a congressional oversight committee.
UPDATE 11.9.23: Gov Green Offers $1 Million for Dead Victims. Please Do Not Sue!
CivilBeat reported that Gov Josh Green admits guilt for the Lahaina disaster now by offering families of those who died or were seriously injured in the Maui fires more than $1 million if they promise not to pursue wrongful death claims in court. Green unveiled a coalition between the state, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kamehameha Schools and Maui County to compensate victims.
By comparison, HECO CEO Shelee Kimura makes around $1.5 MILLION per year. The coalition isn’t even offering a year’s pay for victims. HECO suggested they would contribute $75 million through their annual allotment of $150 million in liability insurance proceeds. HECO can pay victims much more.
NEVER FORGET: Remember 40 acres and a mule. Carpetbaggers swept in to BUY up land, homes — and rights after the civil war. Be careful taking money! Tempting, but victims who accept the financial offer agree not to sue parties paying into the fund. Green claims the offer is about trying to do the right thing, not avoid liability — do you believe that? If parties did the right thing, Gov Green, CEO Kimura and other officials would resign. $1 Million for a life? Seriously!
Remember federal and state government will take about 50% of any award, so victims would receive about $500,000 for a loved one who was tragically and cruelly incinerated due to incompetence by Hawaiian Electric, state and county government, and Kamehameha Schools. We recommend holding out for at least $10 MILLION per victim due to our inflationary times and high costs in Hawai’i.
No amount of money could replace the loved ones lost by our government elected officials ignoring their sworn duty to their residents. This man-made fire could’ve been prevented, and now you try to bribe people away from their rights to a lawsuit?
@GovJoshGreenMD You really are disgraceful, tacky, disrespectful, inept, incompetent, and ignorant, at least. Those who participate in the fund will receive payments of more than $1 million as early as next spring. However, the catch to participating in the recovery fund is that the individual would have to sign a release saying they won’t sue those participating in the fund for wrongful deaths or their injuries.
UPDATE 11.6.23: Gov Green designates November 1st as Power Plant Worker Appreciation Day
What a fraud !!! After HECO executives and Green incinerated some 100 human beings, including keiki, and destroyed historic Lahaina town, they ask us to honor power plant workers. We always did !!! Thank you, honorable hard workers! CEO Kimura seeks to include herself in pictures with those we honor. We DO NOT honor Shelee Kimura or Josh Green. You killed our ‘Ohana members! We will never forget !!!
UPDATE 11.4.23: Day-Late & Dollar-Short Hawaiian Electric Explores Power Shuts Offs
After California suffered deadly Camp fire in 2018, electricity providers were advised to shut off, de-energize, power lines during high wind events. Hawaiian Electric did not heed the warning. At least 99 people were incinerated, including many keiki. Now, HECO executives finally wake up!
Incompetence of Connie Lau, Alan Oshima, Scott Seu and Shelee Kimura constitutes criminal negligence. They belong in prison, rather than their extravagant Hawaiian plantation homes.
HECO is also considering sending “spotters” to high-risk areas and expanding inspections of poles and lines, among steps Hawaiian Electric plans to take to prevent its transmission systems from igniting wildfires in dry, windy weather in places most vulnerable to fires. Too little; too late. Hawai’i is governed by middle school students.
UPDATE 11.3.23: In Corrupt Hawai’i, Public Utilities Commission REFUSES to Investigate HECO
PUC has been conspicuously passive since August fires that killed at least 99 people, destroyed much of Lahaina, including its power distribution system, and spawned dozens of lawsuits blaming Hawaiian Electric for starting the fires.
PUC’s stated mission is to “serve the public, by ensuring essential utility services are delivered to consumers in a safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sound manner.” SAFE?
What is clear is that the PUC and Hawaiian Electric both failed to heed the cautionary lessons of California’s Tubbs and Camp fires.
CivilBeat reports that Hawai’i regulators have shown no sign they will take a hard look at the utility they’re supposed to regulate. Due to inbreeding in corporate and government ranks, corrupt officials protect each other. The three-person commission consists of Colin Yost, a lawyer and former solar company executive; Naomi Kuwaye, a lawyer and former Honolulu City Council aide, and Leodoloff Asuncion, a career government planner in charge of leading the commission as its chair.
“I think it’s highly unusual that the PUC will not investigate this,” said Henry Curtis, executive director of the organization Life of the Land, who frequently intervenes in utility proceedings before the PUC. “It just seems totally out of character for the entire history of the commission.”
UPDATE 10.31.23: Maui Police Release Body Camera Footage from Lahaina Fires
CivilBeat reported that Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said roads may have been blocked by unsafe road conditions, including downed power lines and the fire itself, but said his officers did everything they could to shepherd people to safety. Only 13 officers were working in the West Maui district at the height of the fire, police said.
UPDATE 10.25.23: Download Hidden After Action Report and Improvement Plan for 2018-08-18 Tropical Cyclone Lane
Maui officials (Herman Andaya, Administrator and Andrea Finkelstein, Plans & Operations Officer) blocked release of the official report reviewing local government response after the horrific August 2018 fire around Lahaina — nearly identical to the August 8, 2023 catastrophe that incinerated at least 99+ human beings, including many keiki, torched 1,000s of homes, schools and small businesses, and destroyed historic Lahaina town:
“Information gathered in this report is designated as For Official Use Only (FOUO) and should be handled as sensitive information that is not to be disclosed. This document should be safeguarded, handled, transmitted, and stored in accordance with appropriate security directives. Reproduction of this document, in whole or in part, without prior approval from the Maui Civil Defense Agency is prohibited.”
“At a minimum, the attached materials will be disseminated strictly on a need-to-know basis and, when unattended, will be stored in a locked container or area that offers sufficient protection against theft, compromise, inadvertent access, and unauthorized disclosure.”
Why did Maui officials hide this August 2018 report from the public? Herman Andaya has now resigned in disgrace for his failure to plan and sound the warning siren on August 8, 2023. Blocking release of the report to the public constitutes criminal negligence!
Background and Updates
Due to the devastating and unbelievable tragic disaster that occurred on Maui, Hawai’i, Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and specific to the historic town of Lāhainā, the world is micro-focused on our tiny islands and rich cultural history. Officials refuse to release the number of keiki (children) killed. Seems to be over 1000+ [UPDATED to 4+] adults and keiki still missing at this time. Likely perished. Known number killed is now estimated to be at least *** 100 ***, as of 11.15.23.
“There is a disconnect on O’ahu about the actual feeling of the community here. I’m not sensing hostility, I’m seeing frustration and sadness.”
Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, representing Windward O’ahu
“I’m very disappointed with DOBOR (state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation). It’s like they don’t realize people are suffering. They lack empathy … I’m going to work on forcing them to come. I’m not happy.”
Sen. Lorraine Inouye, representing Hilo
“What we are seeing is a bit disturbing, A ton of private and public adjustors are preying on the survivors.”
Annie Barbour, United Policyholders, consumer advocate
Quick poll suggests strongly unified public opposition to Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. Bissen along with HECO CEO Shelee Kimura should do the honorable and responsible act of resigning.
While Hawaiian Electric executives did nothing, Justin Recolizado was incinerated along with his parents, Eugene and Maria Victoria. KITV4 reminds us to never forget.
CivilBeat reminds readers that Lahaina’s Filipino community was hit hard. Those who perished served as store employees, janitorial workers and dishwashers. Hawaiian Electric executives collected millions in compensation and failed to have a plan. Never forget!
Franklin Trejos, 68, of Lahaina, was publicly identified on October 2, 2023, more than a month after he was reported dead by his friend Geoff Bogar, a retired fire captain. [StarAdvertiser]
Economic impact of Maui fires estimated $13 million a day since Aug. 9, when the fires occurred, according to a report from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
UPDATE 10.30.23: Maui visitor arrivals and expenditures down by more than 50% for the month compared to 2022
Visitor arrivals on Maui in September 2023 (94,221) recorded lowest since February 2021 and visitor spending of $203.2 million on Maui in September 2023 was the lowest since March 2021. As measured in nominal dollars, total visitor spending was $1.37 billion in September 2023, down from September 2022 ($1.52 billion, -9.6%), but higher than September 2019 ($1.25 billion, +10.2%). [source]
Still missing Japanese visitors: There were 51,350 visitors from Japan in September 2023, which was an increase compared to September 2022 (27,332 visitors, +87.9%) but considerably lower than September 2019 (143,928 visitors, -64.3%). Visitors from Japan spent $79.6 million in September 2023, compared to $47.8 million (+66.5%) in September 2022 and $196.5 million (-59.5%) in September 2019.
UPDATE 10:24:23: Bissen Announces next phase of West Maui re-opening November 1
Mayor Richard Bissen announced Monday that the phased re-opening of West Maui to visitors will continue November 1 with the re-opening of the remaining area from Kahana to Kaʻanapali. Local families are not impressed.
Not only has no one I know been assisted financially, including fire victims. The mayor now is deciding that’s it’s a perfect time to place tourists in front of the residents yet again. The mayor has ended the phased plan and now seeks to go full speed ahead on reopening by Nov 1st. Next week, Wednesday.
Da Kine, @ResidentAlienHI
“The Red Cross has assured me that housing for displaced Lāhainā residents, including those staying in hotels, is not in jeopardy,” Mayor Bissen said. “In addition, the County has a commitment from other partners to work on developing child care programs for displaced families. Sheltering close to 7,000 survivors remains a critical focus of our efforts and their needs are our priority. I appreciate the help our hotels have provided these past several weeks, and we’ll continue to work together with the hotel properties and American Red Cross.”
UPDATE 10.23.23: COVER UP That Incinerated Lahaina and Killed 99+
Due to public outcry, Maui County Will Release Its After-Action Report From The 2018 Lahaina Fire ‘Soon’: State emergency officials said they never received the report, which could have offered guidance on how to prevent the Aug. 8 blaze.
In September 2018, one month after the Kauaula Valley blaze, Joe Pluta of West Maui Improvement Foundation met with incoming Mayor Mike Victorino and his emergency management manager, Herman Andaya. Pluta asked for a copy of the after action report. Claims “Mr. Andaya was so concerned. He says you can look at it here in the office, but you can’t say anything about it to anybody. It’s all confidential.” [Andaya failed to sound emergency sirens on August 8th; resigned in disgrace]
“The impression that I got is that the liability to the county is way too high because of what is revealed in that report. And we don’t want anybody to know anything about it.”
Joe Pluta, West Maui Improvement Foundation
Pluta went on to say the county “failed to recognize the imminent dangers that were revealed.” What else did Pluta learn: “That we had a very serious problem.”
Where Is The Report? HNN Investigates has spent weeks submitting public records requests to a multitude of Maui County agencies in an effort to obtain a copy of the 2018 Lahaina wildfire after action report. [source]
UPDATE 10.22.23: Total Management Failure in Hawai’i Killed People
Officials learned little from a 2018 fire, similar circumstances, but without deadly consequences, reports Christina Jedra. Blaze burned through dry grasses, spread by forceful winds from Hurricane Lane. Firefighters were fighting multiple fires simultaneously. Residents received no warnings and were left to fend for themselves. Fire hydrants ran dry.
“If a fire started, a lot of residents would be trapped.”
Tamara Paltin, now Maui County Council member, said at the time
Later, community members questioned why live power lines had not been turned off, why emergency alert sirens had not been activated and why there was no clear evacuation route. HECO did nothing. Government failed the people.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail. That is essentially what happened here.”
Adam Ingram, emergency manager who worked in Ohio and Pennsylvania and watched Maui disaster from afar.
UPDATE 10.19.23: Latest Summary Statistics
Housing remains top priority.
Unemployment on Maui now 8.4%.
Over 3,000 families remain displaced and over 8,000 individuals remain unemployed.
Almost 3,300 people have received rental assistance that can be renewed for up to 18 months.
Roughly $1 billion has already been spent on the response to the Maui fires.
Number of displaced individuals living in hotels has dropped from approximately 8,000 to 6,800 people.
State Department of Human Services has $100 million available for families impacted by the fires.
For small businesses, $12.5 million in aid will soon be available through MEO. [source]
Some 350 customers in Lahaina remain without electricity.
HECO crews have replaced about 180 of 1,000 or so poles destroyed across West Maui [source]
UPDATE 10.18.23: “What is the matter with this HECO organization?” asks HART director
Local residents have been asking the same question about Hawaiian Electric, which has a virtual monopoly in the Aloha state. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. HART director, Colleen Hanabusa, former U.S. Representative serving Hawaii’s 1st congressional district and attorney, has had enough. [source]
Hanabusa complained publicly in the past that HECO seemed to be taking advantage of HART by demanding that the rail authority pay for expensive improvements to the electrical grid that benefit the utility. HECO is scrapping for dollars at this time preparing to be held liable for billions in the Lahaina disaster.
“What is the matter with this HECO organization? I mean, how can they continue to do this or think that they’re going to get away with this with us? What are we going to do, are we going to just roll over for them again?”
Colleen Hanabusa asked HART Project Director Nate Meddings
UPDATE 10.16.23: The Lahaina Diaspora Begins. Keiki Return to (unsafe) Schools
CivilBeat highlights the current struggles on local business and students in the Lahaina area.
UPDATE 10.15.23: Hawaiian Electric Ignored Fire Warnings, Grossly Underinsured
Hawaiian Electric is severely underinsured to pay victims of August’s deadly Maui wildfire, as well as repair its own damaged infrastructure, raising questions how the beleaguered utility could cover billions of dollars in mounting damage claims if found liable for starting the blaze. [source]
“This is not a highly reinforced system. It has not been hardened.”
Robert McCullough, McCullough Research, energy consulting firm in Portland, Oregon
Hawaiian Electric has known for years that extreme weather was becoming a bigger danger, but the company did little to strengthen its equipment and failed to adopt emergency plans used elsewhere, like being prepared to cut off power to prevent fires. [source]
“The problem with the electric utilities in the United States is they act like the protected monopolies in the face of catastrophic risk. But nature doesn’t care that they’re a protected monopoly. You need to act like a regular company facing a major risk.”
Michael Wara, scholar focused on climate and energy policy at Stanford University who thinks Hawaiian Electric could have done a lot more to prevent its equipment from becoming a potential cause of fires
In 2019, Hawaiian Electric itself started citing the risk of fires. Two years later, in a report about Hurricane Lane in 2018, the Maui County government warned of the potential that “aboveground power lines that fail, short or are low-hanging can cause fire ignition (sparks) that could start a wildfire, particularly in windy or stormy conditions.” [source]
The utility has only $165 million in annual general liability insurance, which is what it would use to repay residents for losses if it is determined their equipment started the deadly Lahaina fire — a small fraction of potential $5 billion in damage claims, which continue to grow as more residents and Hawaiian Electric shareholders join lawsuits against the company. [source]
As for its decision not to adopt a policy to preemptively shut off power in the face of red flag and high wind warnings, Hawaiian Electric said in its 2023 wildfire mitigation plan that, “Based on news reports, Pacific Gas & Electric’s practice to preemptively turn off circuits in certain areas if conditions were ripe for a wildfire was not well-received by certain customers affected.” Therefore, Hawaiian Electric felt that it did not need to adopt the practice. [source]
“It’s clear and saddening, reading this plan, that Hawaiian Electric did not take the risk of consequence of ignition more clearly.”
Michael Wara, senior research scholar at Woods Institute for the Environment and director Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University
Wara said Hawaiian Electric could have established a power shut-off program in consultation with local authorities and emergency services. Henry Curtis, executive director of Life of the Land, a Hawaii nonprofit group that represents consumers before the state Public Utilities Commission, said he “strongly supports” power shut-off programs. The utility, he said, has been dismissive of the idea.
Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric’s chief executive, said after the fire that the company had not shut off power in Lahaina because electricity was needed to keep water pumps and medical devices running. [source]
“In Lahaina, the electricity powers the pumps that provide the water — and so that was also a critical need during that time. There are choices that need to be made — and all of those factors play into it.”
Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric CEO & president
Kimura spoke falsely. Pumps have backup generators and during hurricane warnings residents are required to have personal generators or backup systems for medical systems.
Hawaiian Electric also made what experts said was a bizarre assessment, comparing its risk to that of California’s as the reason for not having more frequent and robust inspections, vegetation management, and for not creating a public safety power shut-off program. [source]
UPDATE 10.14.23: More Human Remains Found
Human remains from Lahaina wildfire discovered in courthouse: Number of people who have not been accounted for since the fire dropped to seven.
Maui Relief TANF Program
Gov Green announced Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS), and partner Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. (MEO), will accept applications beginning Friday, October 20, 2023, for the Maui Relief TANF Program.
For more information or to apply starting October 20, call the Maui Relief TANF Program at (808) 243-4316 or visit https://www.meoinc.org.
UPDATE 10.13.23: How Will Maui Strong Fund be Allocated?
Due to the generosity and aloha from locals to people around the world, Hawaii Community Foundation created the state’s largest Maui fire relief fund, Maui Strong, in just over two months — nearly $140 million.
(Source: Hawaii Community Foundation.)
CivilBeat reports that Dawn Pfendler, Hawai’i Animal Rescue Foundation CEO, received $100,000, which was more than she even requested. Her foundation provides care for the onslaught of pets that need a temporary home while their owners figure out their housing situations.
“I don’t know what we would have done without them.”
Dawn Pfendler, CEO of Hawai’i Animal Rescue Foundation
After the foundation followed up with her, they awarded her an additional $150,000 — without her needing to ask. “The costs in this are very unknown. As time rolls by, we’re seeing the need is increasing,” Pfendler said.
Grantees are required to keep detailed accounting of their expenditures, but were not sure yet when an official accounting would be due. Sounds like an impending financial disaster. Too few controls.
UPDATE 10.11.23: “I wasn’t in charge on August 8, 2023”
When it comes to getting paid or receiving perks of the job, officials are quick to raise their hands. When it comes to taking responsibility, they are nowhere to be found. Maui Mayor Bissen should have been in charge. He was incompetent. Who told people to “shelter in place”? Not, me, said the mayor. He blames visitors:
“I’m going to guess that the person you spoke to was a visitor. You spoke to a visitor if they were asked to shelter in place.”
Maui Mayor Richard Bisson
Contrary to the mayor’s statement, at the height of the self evacuation from Lahaina town, Maui County’s Facebook page posted at 4:56 p.m. the following:
“People on the westside are advised to shelter in place unless evacuations are ordered.”
Mayor Bissen appears now to lie:
“So yes, people were asked to stay in their hotels and not leave. The residents were evacuated. Those are the folks that we took out of there.”
Maui Mayor Richard Bisson
KITV4 News challenges the questionable statement: Were evacuations ordered in the 3, 4 and 5 p.m. hours? Maui County has never presented evidence to support the claim.
“I’m not sure who was in charge,” Bissen told the press at the last joint press conference held in late August. “I think Herman Andaya was still in charge, he just wasn’t present.”
No Command; No Control; No Communication … Hawaiian Electric and Maui government failed the people and Three Cs of Leadership. We will never forget; we will never trust these officials again. All should resign.
UPDATE 10.10.23: Maui Mayor Bissen approves use of Soiltac to “glue down” harmful ash and debris from fire. It’s expected to take a month to cover all surfaces that need to be sprayed and some areas will need more than one coat. Effects, if any, should the product wash into the ocean onto coral reefs have not been tested. EPA warns if the becomes airborne or is washed into the ocean or aquifers, it could expose humans, fish, seabirds and other organisms to cancer-causing agents and potentially cause chronic and acute health problems. [CivilBeat]
Concerns about suspicious fund raisers grow. Be careful making cash donations. Questions or complaints can be directed to the state’s Tax & Charities Division at (808) 586-1480 or email to ATG.Charities@hawaii.gov.
UPDATE 10.6.23: Deadline to Apply for FEMA, SBA Assistance Extended
Homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Maui fires now have until Thursday, November 9, 2023, to register for FEMA assistance and apply for a physical disaster loan from the Small Business Administration. Businesses with economic losses can also still apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan until May 10, 2024.
To apply for FEMA disaster assistance:
(1) visit DisasterAssistance.gov;
(2) call 800-621-3362;
(3) visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Updated information about DRC locations available at fema.gov/DRC
UPDATE 10.4.23: Governor Green Has No Aloha for Grieving Families
#LahainaStrong members and supporters delivered 11,141 petitions — 3,517 of which were from the 96761 Lahaina ZIP code — to Governor Green’s fifth-floor offices. The people and families are not ready to open West Maui on October 8, 2023, to visitors, tourists and lookie-lous. They’re still grieving. The State of Hawai’i is a corporation and the “show must go on.” Maui is losing an estimated $13 million per day — and Profits are more important than People. [StarAdvertiser]
StarAdvertiser Headline Screen Shot (10.4.23)
Gov. Josh Green says he’s sympathetic to those who aren’t ready for the visitors to return but Maui and the state need the money they bring. Josh didn’t care about protecting families from wildfires; that cost money! Josh now demands West Maui open — to pay his salary! [CivilBeat]
Money! Money! Money! Royal Lahaina Luau is now taking reservations for December 1st onwards. Eat, drink and be merry while victims live in tents and cars. That’s corporate aloha, folks!
Why don’t they let those with “deep anxiety and uncertainty” remain in hotels?
Apparently having victims in hotels around tourists would make rich, privileged visitors feel guilty. Move the desperate people elsewhere and out of sight.
To help ease the deep anxiety and uncertainty felt by thousands of Lahaina fire survivors, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced new program October 3, 2023, aimed at encouraging Hawai’i residents to open their doors to house those currently staying in hotel rooms or Airbnbs. Those who do so can receive $375 a month per survivor that they house, or up to $1,500 if they take in multiple people. [CivilBeat]
Although Gov Green has no sympathy for local people, their resilience is being displayed on the historical and now famous banyan tree. Some green is breaking through.
UPDATE 10.2.23: The Lahaina DIASPORA Begins
Diaspora refers to people who have spread or been dispersed from their homeland. The Jewish diaspora or exile is the biblical dispersion of Israelites or Jews out of their ancient ancestral homeland and their subsequent settlement in other parts of the globe. In Arabic, the Nakba, or catastrophe, refers to the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Before the Nakba, Palestine was a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society.
In 1998, the UN Commission on Human Rights published the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, defining internally displaced people as: “persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or leave their homes or places of habitual residence in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalized violence, violations of human rights, or natural or human-made disasters and who have not crossed an internationally recognized State border.”
StarAdvertiser Headline Screen Shot (10.2.23)
Allison Schaefer’s featured a first story of what will be many how Peyton Chesson and family returned Friday to the burned-out shell of the Kaniau Road home that he and his wife, Zoe Chesson, had rented for the past six years in a community that they loved. They had hoped one day to buy a forever home to raise their family. With limited housing, facing years of reconstruction, the failure by Hawaiian Electric and government ends their dream.
Corporate executives, HEI CEO Scott Sue and HECO CEO Shelee Kimura, who ignited this catastrophe are still paid millions per year. Other than confused and incompetent Herman Andaya, the government employee who failed to sound the warning siren, none have resigned. Maui Mayor Bissen, who failed to call for the warning siren, continues his feckless role. Governor Josh Green wimped along at the Aloha Festivals Floral Parade to legions of boos last Saturday. All remain warm and comfy in their plantation mansions, while covered in the blood of local families, many children.
UPDATE 9.29.23: What is HECO CEO & president Shelee Kimura Hiding?
Peter Boylan, StarAdvertiser, reported that Shelee Kimura, HECO top executive, would not commit to Congress that the company would publicize findings of an internal investigation into the utility’s role in the Aug. 8. Lahaina fire that killed at least 97 people and left 7,500 homeless.
StarAdvertiser Headline Screen Shot (9.29.23)
UPDATE 9.28.23: HECO CEO Shelee Kimura BLAMES Maui Firefighters
Kimura admits Hawaiian Electric’s downed lines caused initial fire, but claims Maui fire department (MFD) said it extinguished that blaze and lines had been de-energized for over six hours when the fire flared up again. She called the 3 p.m. blaze the “Afternoon Fire,” implying it was separate from the morning blaze and fault of MFD.
Hawaiian Electric has acknowledged its downed lines caused the initial fire but has argued in court filings it couldn’t be responsible for the later flare-up because its lines had been turned off for hours by the time the fire reignited and spread through the town. The utility instead sought to shift the blame to Maui County fire officials for what it believes was their premature, false claim that they had extinguished the first fire. The county denies firefighters were negligent.
Michael Biesecker, Jennifer McDermott and Bernard Condon / Associated Press Sept. 27, 2023
Kimura also said the utility doesn’t have the right or responsibility to clear dry brush or other vegetation on private property — even if it is in the right-of-way, directly underneath power lines — unless the plants or trees are tall enough to potentially contact the lines.
One fact has become clear: Hawaiian Electric’s right-of-way was untrimmed and unkempt for years, despite being in an area classified as being at high risk for wildfires.
Michael Biesecker, Jennifer McDermott and Bernard Condon / Associated Press Sept. 27, 2023
It’s not clear when Hawaiian Electric last cleared the grass and shrubs from under its lines on the Kamehameha tract. But AP’s review of public regulatory filings shows the company has a history of falling behind on what the electricity industry calls “vegetation management.”
Hawaiian Electric reported to AP that the right-of-way allows it to “remove anything that interferes with our lines and could potentially cause an outage” but does not allow it to “go on to private property to perform landscaping or grass-mowing.”
The landowner, Kamehameha Schools, run by a $15 billion educational endowment and also named in litigation over the Maui fire, told AP it has “no control over and cannot interfere with” Hawaiian Electric’s equipment in the right-of-way but “never had any objection” to the utility doing work to keep the area safe from its poles and lines.
Aerial and satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press show the gully has long been choked with thick grass, shrubs, small trees and trash, which a severe summer drought turned into tinder-dry fuel for fires. Photos taken after the blaze show charred foliage in the utility’s right-of-way still more than 10 feet high.
“It was not manicured at all,” said Lahaina resident Gemsley Balagso, who has lived next to the gully for 20 years and never saw it mowed. He watched and took video Aug. 8 after the flames reignited there and were stoked by winds from a hurricane churning offshore.
Hawaiian Electric has faced scrutiny before for potentially sparking a wildfire in that same area.
In 2018, a brush fire broke out nearby during high winds from a passing hurricane, destroying 21 buildings. Though officials were unable to conclusively determine a cause, a copy of the investigative report obtained by the AP said Hawaiian Electric’s power lines couldn’t be ruled out.
A 2020 audit of Hawaiian Electric found the company failed to meet its goals for clearing vegetation from its rights-of-way for years, and the way it measured its progress needed to be fixed “urgently.” The 216-page audit by Munro Tulloch said the utility tracked money it spent on clearing and tree trimming but had “zero metrics” on things that really mattered, such as the volume of vegetation removed or miles of right-of-way cleared.
UPDATE 9.26.23: Hawaiian Electric Rates to Increase
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) consistently charges customers highest rates in the nation, and local rates are up over 7% since 2022. Electricity prices in the islands are some THREE TIMES the national average (11.1 cents/kWh). HECO claims they are not at fault for the Lahaina devastation. If HECO is found to be negligent, Wall Street (the corporation, executive managers and investors) pay the costs to rebuild. If not, ratepayers in Hawai’i will shoulder the bill.
HECO’s most recent published residential rate on O’ahu is 43.43 cents/kWh; Maui, 43.26; Molokai, 53.35; Lanai, 54.93; Big Island, 47.95. If resident ratepayers are required to cover costs, add 15% surcharge over 10 years. O’ahu rates will approximate 49.95 cents/kWh.
Keep in mind HECO is the ONLY U.S. electric utility reliant on diesel oil. Oil prices are currently increasing. Market observers warn oil could hit $150, which would double local prices.
Electricity prices in Hawai’i are generally higher than on the U.S. mainland due to the cost of imported oil used to power many of the islands’ generators. The fluctuation in the cost of fuel, which makes up roughly 50% of a typical bill, is the biggest driver.
Hawaiian Electric Rates & Regulations (9.26.23)
HECO ended use of coal September 2022, leaving no diversity in their non-renewable energy portfolio. Coal prices have trended down. Having all our energy pineapples in one basket is not smart. HECO management however is not considered to be smart. Experts say they are bad.
UPDATE 9.25.23: HECO Management Failed. Ratepayers Will Pay
While Hawaiian Electric management received millions in compensation, ratepayers might get stuck with the bill for their incompetence. Hawai’i PUC reports that a surcharge up to approximately $500M per year for 10 years could be charged to all electric ratepayers.
“Any utility that sustains damage to its facilities as a result of a state of emergency or local state of emergency… and incurs costs related to the restoration and repair of its facilities which, if assessed only on the utility ratepayers of the affected utility service territory, may result in a rate increase of more than fifteen per cent for the average ratepayer in that utility service territory, may apply to the public utilities commission in accordance with this section to recover the costs provided herein through a monthly surcharge which shall be assessed on a statewide basis and shall be based on the utility’s net restoration and repair costs; provided that the surcharge shall not result in an assessment of more than fifteen per cent for the average ratepayer in each of the other utility service territories and provided further that the public utilities commission shall exclude ratepayers in utility service territories with rates that may be substantially higher than other utility service territories in the State.” (HRS §269-16.3(a))
However, rate hikes may not be applied if the damages were caused by the negligence of HECO management. And if HECO bosses were negligent, they may be liable for $5B in damages to non-HECO people and property in Lahaina.
UPDATE 9.24.23: Maui Mayor Richard Bissen LAUGHS at Distressed Lahaina Families
CivilBeat reported that the mayor said he anticipates a slow process to clear the land of hazards to make way for a reimagined Lahaina. He cautioned patience, judging that it could be a year and a half to two years before property owners can begin to rebuild their homes. Move to Vegas!
Don’t worry! Be happy! “Everyone is going to have housing,” Bissen assured the crowd from behind a podium at the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium. Live in your car! Share a couch with a friend. The mayor hasn’t opened up his home; neither has Oprah nor other large land holders.
Six weeks after the deadliest American wildfire in a century incinerated historic Lahaina town, roughly 7,600 residents remain temporarily housed in more than 40 hotels, according to Dave Gutierrez, a disaster relief director for the American Red Cross.
There is a shortage of available housing. Robert Fenton, FEMA’s Region 9 administrator, said fire victims can remain in hotel rooms and condos for six months — through Feb. 10 — and that the agency is trying to move as many people as possible into homes and apartments well before that deadline. Bissen and Fenton offer one-way tickets to Vegas.
“And we can look not only on this island but we can look on other islands here in Hawaii if need be.”
Robert Fenton, FEMA’s Region 9 administrator
Lahaina resident Alfy Basurto, currently sharing a two-bedroom unit at Honua Kai Resort & Spa with his wife and five children, said that he just signed a lease for a four-bedroom home for $9,000 a month — a rate he said is double what he paid for his family’s rental home before the fire burned it down.
The average qualified applicant on Maui receives $3,500 a month in FEMA rental assistance, which can be extended for a maximum of 18 months.
UPDATE 9.23.23: LOCAL Officials and LOCAL System Destroyed Lahaina.
Ana Vee, in her hit single Hawai’i, sings “Best to be born and raised, local grown.” There is tremendous animosity toward outsiders in Hawai’i — in particular toward White folks and the federal government. Local people claim they are better; that their local system is better. Lee Cataluna, local columnist from Maui, wrote years ago:
Here we go again, jumping into the same old debate between local versus outsider when it comes to leading a big, unwieldy Hawaii organization that needs a lot of fixing.
Lee Cataluna
Lee concluded, “but in Hawaii, we love favors. We love having a friend on the inside. It is how so much business is transacted.”
And, LOCAL officials, local favors, local culture and local friends on this inside … led to the total destruction of Lahaina, and incineration of 100s of human beings, many who were keiki. We can still hear their screams of horror in the night.
The internal candidate versus mainland hotshot debate is often influenced by whoever has just washed out as leader of the organization, Cataluna writes. Instead of pointing to the specific actions that led to a former leader’s shortcomings, their point of origin becomes the accepted reason they didn’t work out.
Hawaiian Electric executive incompetency ignited the fires; energized company power lines blocked people attempting to flee. Any HEI or HECO leaders washed out? NOPE! The corporation protects their own. As reported 9.21.23, Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) however hired OUTSIDER HOTSHOT investment banker Scott DeGhetto for more than $1.5 million for a 15-month contract as company’s executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Compensation includes annual base salary of $600,000, $600,000 signing bonus, and $250,000 in moving expenses, plus eligibility to receive other benefits.
When it came to the safety of Lahaina residents, Hawaiian Electric and government selected local friends on the inside. Now with Hawaiian Electric survival on the line, the company looks to outsiders.
Ana Vee needs to update her popular song. Guess it’s not best to be local grown! It’s always better to be competent. Hard lesson for Hawai’i to learn.
UPDATE 9.22.23: First Residential Reentry Passes for Lahaina Now Available (9.22-9-24). Find out more at Maui Recovers. Property owners and residents of Zone 1C — Kaniau Road — in Lahaina will be able to pick up vehicle passes for reentry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Lahaina Civic Center.
UPDATE 9.21.23: Hawaiian Electric collapses into de Ghetto due to possible bankruptcy!!!
CivilBeat reports that Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) hired investment banker Scott DeGhetto for more than $1.5 million for a 15-month contract as company’s executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Compensation includes annual base salary of $600,000, $600,000 signing bonus, and $250,000 in moving expenses, plus eligibility to receive other benefits.
Analysts have compared HEI’s situation to that of Pacific Gas & Electric Co., which was driven into bankruptcy after a series of California wildfires and ensuing lawsuits in 2017 and 2018.
DeGhetto is an “expert” utility dealmaker with experience in mergers, restructuring and bankruptcy, and has been serving as a managing director for Moelis & Co. in Houston. DeGhetto begins with HEI Oct. 1, serve as CFO until Jan. 1, 2025 and stay “in an advisory capacity” until April 2025.
DeGhetto joins HEI at a critical time, as company shares trade around $13.30, compared to 52-week high of $43.71 before the Lahaina disaster. Rating agencies slashed the company’s bond to junk status, and it will cost HEI more to borrow money to replace its destroyed infrastructure. The company faces a growing number of lawsuits from fire victims and shareholders.
UPDATE 9.20.23: Fighting ‘the beast’: Inside the desperate quest to save Lahaina
NBCNews provides a gruesome account of the August 8th events. Maui County firefighters believed they had subdued the initial brush fire, which started due to HECO downed power lines. Just before 9am, officials declared the fire 100% contained, meaning crews had it fully surrounded but it was not necessarily out.
“To hear that we were going back there, I was like, you’ve got to be joking. How could it possibly be that we’re going back there?”
Aina Kohler, Maui County firefighter
Firefighters left the scene at 2:18pm; back at the station for about 20 minutes. Then, just before 3pm, they received a report of a brush fire — in the area they had just left. That fire would go on to incinerate Lahaina.
“You know, sometimes when you’re in a nightmare, you can tell yourself that and then you wake up. And you’re like, yes, we’re in a nightmare,” Kohler said. “And we weren’t in a nightmare. It was very real.”
Aina Kohler, Maui County firefighter
More than two-dozen lawsuits have now been filed since the fire, most of them blaming Hawaiian Electric for failing to take sufficient safety measures. Kohler and husband, Jonny Varona — who lost two businesses, a surf shop and a cafe, along with their home — are among several residents accusing Hawaiian Electric of negligence. Maui County is also suing the utility, and is being accused of negligence itself.
Hawaiian Electric declined to comment on any lawsuits.
UPDATE 9.18.23: HECO Demands Ratepayers Pay Cost of Lahaina Disaster
Hawai’i News Now reported that Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) continues to deny responsibility for the incineration of hundreds of human beings and destruction of history Lahaina town. A lawsuit alleges that between 2019 and 2022, HECO invested less than $245,000 on wildfire-specific projects on the island.
“Rather than spend its customer’s money to improve infrastructure maintenance and safety, the Board of Directors of Hawaiian Electric funneled ratepayers’ money to boost their own profits and compensation. This pattern and practice of favoring profits over safety left Hawaiian Electric vulnerable to an increased risk of a catastrophic event such as the Maui fire, which was the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s history and the deadliest U.S. fire in over a century.”
Frank A. Bottini, Bottini & Bottini
StarAdvertiser, 5.13.19, reported that it pays to be a top executive at Hawaiian Electric. Seven CEOs received a total compensation of at least $3 million and two topped $5 million. Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) CEO Connie Lau received the highest pay package in the state worth $5.7 million, or 115 TIMES earnings of an average worker in Hawai’i $49,670 (2017 data).
In a PUC filing last month, HECO said it will need a lot of money to rebuild on Maui, and plans to request rate increases to pay for damage to its equipment, including 400 poles and 300 transformers and the labor to fix them and restore power. Whether that will happen could depend on whether the company’s neglect or negligence contributed to the destruction.
“There is equipment that should be on those transmission lines, to prevent those lines from short circuiting and being cut and remaining live on the on the ground. My understanding is that really shouldn’t have happened, if it did.”
Jeff Ono, former PUC Consumer Advocate
HECO has yet to file a report of an “accident” involving its equipment, which it did after blackouts following other incidents. Pressure is building on Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate HECO’s responsibility before and during the fires.
“The PUC has to determine whether ratepayers should pay to rebuild this structures that fallen or whether it’s the responsibility of the utility because they did something wrong,” Curtis said.
Henry Curtis, Life of the Land Executive Director
Multiple lawsuits have been filed accusing HECO of sparking the fire after failing to take steps to harden the grid against catastrophic wind events. On the day of the fire, downed equipment also slowed evacuations.
That grid “needed work” and that some lines should have been underground. “We have a lot of old poles here, we have conductors that could be spaced further apart.”
Edmund Clark, retired renewable energy executive who lives on Maui
UPDATE 9.15.23: Oprah Winfrey is upset that locals do not appreciate her and exposed her narcissism and self-promotion. The billionaire claims she was terrorized and vilified online after the Maui fires. Oprah brought a film crew with her just moments after the fire to record her giving out pillows and toothpaste. Locals easily see through BS and phony people. Oprah is tone death.
Oprah recently purchased 870 acres of land in the Kola area of Maui for $6.6 million from the Ulupalakua Ranch. Many local people are homeless or can’t find affordable housing. Billionaires buy up all the land for vacation homes and do not live here.
The Rock Reacts to Oprah Winfrey Stealing Land Amid Maui Fires
Lack of Empathy and Willingness to hold officials accountable plagues Hawai’i. Although not a professional survey, this non-scientific poll offers a look into the views of readers likely to live on O’ahu, who tend to be Asian and Caucasian. They admit HEI/HECO action was “so-so,” but do not blame officials for the devastating fires. Would be interesting to see how Lahaina residents, particularly Native Hawaiian (Kanaka) and Filipino, respond.
As reported yesterday, HEI/HECO spent less than $250,000 between 2019 and 2022 on mitigating risks of wildfires on Maui, yet paid HEI/HECO CEOs tens of millions of dollars in executive compensation and bonuses. Some 200+ human beings, many keiki, were incinerated or swept out to sea. Total cost now expects to exceed $6 billion. Priceless history was wiped off the map. Corporate error.
School Starts: Yesterday was the ‘First day’ for Maui public school students displaced by wildfire. For nearly 600 Maui public school students displaced by the closure of their schools by the Lahaina wildfire, Thursday was a “first day of school” like none other. In a special moment, Lahainaluna High School students sang their alma mater on their first day at their temporary school site in Kihei on Thursday.
DOE released online report showing progress made toward reopening Lahaina schools. They say it will be updated as new information becomes available. View the progress report.
UPDATE 9.14.23: HECO shareholder files lawsuit against electric company and board of directors, naming current and former board members, including Scott Seu, current president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI), parent company of HECO, along with HECO’s current president and CEO Shelee Kimura. Complaint — filed by shareholder Christina Rice — said HECO spent millions of dollars instead to reach its renewable energy goals that earned the company millions in bonuses for its executives.
“In a situation like this, accountability is import. Ultimately we want to affect change and this is a way to do both.”
Addison Bonner, plaintiff’s attorney
The latest lawsuit claims that between 2019 and 2022, HECO spent less than $245,000 on mitigating the risks of wildfires on Maui, yet in 2022 HEI CEO Seu’s pay rose to $3.6 million from $1.9 million the year before.
FEMA is hiring on Maui. Seeking writers, liaisons, planners, historic preservation and geospatial information specialists, and digital communications specialists, to name a few. These temporary positions on Oʻahu and Maui start as 120-day appointments and may be extended up to one year. Benefits include sick leave, health insurance and up to 11 paid holidays.
To view the open positions, visit usajobs.gov, type keywords “local hire” and enter “Hawaii” for the location. Detailed information is provided for each position, including pay and benefits.
Dates and locations of the job fairs are:
Oprah claims to be “shocked” for the “vitriol” and criticism over Maui fire donation backlash. Shortly after the fires, Oprah showed up with a camera crew to film her giving out pillows and toothpaste. Filming herself to promote her philanthropic activity in a crisis did not impress the suffering residents. Being humble is a valued trait in local kine character.
“I was so excited about it, and then I got up the next morning, and I saw all of this vitriol, and I was, like, ‘Whoa, what happened here?’ It made me sad that we are at this state in our country.”
Oprah to best friend, Gayle King, CBS Morning
Oprah and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson donated $10 million, although having a net worth of more than $2.8 BILLION, and asked their fans to donate the rest.
New York Post reported that fans complained they were already living “paycheck-to-paycheck,” and that the uber-rich celebrities should dole out more of their own money toward relief efforts.
“I would but I’m broke…you two got this though!”
Carolina Moreno (TikTok, August 31, 2023)
“Billionaire asking for money from the poor, what a joke”
Outraged Fan on Winfrey’s Instagram
UPDATE 9.11.23: NEVER FORGET our heroes lost on 9.11. NEVER FORGET #LahainaStrong on 8.8
On August 6, 2001, the CIA warned GW Bush of a potential attack by Usama bin Laden. The newly-elected president did nothing. On August 6, 2023, the National Weather Service warned officials in Hawai’i that high winds potentially would bring down energized power lines. Hawaiian Electric CEO & president Shelee Kimura did nothing.
Bishop Estate Caused Lahaina Fire: The County of Maui and State of Hawai’i have been named for the first time as co-defendants and landowners liable for nuisance in a civil action filed by the father of a 57-year-old woman who was tragically and suddenly killed trying to escape the fires that devastated the community of Lahaina within the County of Maui on August 8th. The complaint filed yesterday in the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit of the State of Hawai’i additionally accuses utility Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. and its subsidiary Maui Electric Company, Limited — as well as major landowner, Bishop Estate — of facilitating the fire that destroyed the residence of Rebecca Rans, causing her to flee, cutting off her escape paths and routes, and ultimately resulting in her wrongful death.
The complaint details how the risk of wildfires to Lahaina was known to the defendants, documented in reports from the Hawai’i Wildfire Management Organization dating back to at least 2014. Yet it was only in 2022 that Hawaiian Electric submitted its first request for funding to harden its power grid, far too late.
Bishop Estate is a trust that was endowed with nearly 10% of the landmass of the state of Hawai’i. Today, Bishop owns several large parcels of land that were in the path of and facilitated the fire destruction that ultimately destroyed Rans’ residence and caused her untimely and tragic death.
UPDATE 9.10.23: CivilBeat analysis of different programs and fundraisers found more than $494 million in relief funds for Maui have been pledged in government assistance, private donations and nonprofit efforts since the Aug. 8 fires. Federal and state government agencies committed $194 million; non-governmental groups raised $300 million as of Sept. 10.
If you want to help, LOCALS are efficient helping LOCALS. This is aloha. This is island spirit. We are “Small Town” people assisting those in need. Jesus said, “This is the way!”
DONATE: https://givesendgo.com/honokowairelief
![John Pritchett: You Did It. No, You Did It [CivilBeat]](https://clearhealthlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/maui_heco.jpg)
![Hawai'i Department of Education reports 2,025 [updated: 1,208] students missing. What happened to all our keiki?](https://clearhealthlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/enrollment.jpg)
ClearHealthLife Strategies 
10 thoughts on “Lahaina Wildfires Similar to LA Fires”