Hawaiian Electric Company

While lawmakers are considering many bills ahead of the end of the 2025 session on Friday, here at Hawaiʻi Public Radio, we’ve narrowed down the topics to the top four we’re paying close attention to.

About half of Hawaiian Electric's utility lines are underground. HECO officials say the study will help them determine a strategy for burying more lines.

A measure to release the state's $807 million contribution to the Maui wildfire global settlement is going to lawmakers for a final vote. If signed into law, the funds will start to be released to the attorney general to begin paying claims.

As part of its wildfire safety strategy, Hawaiian Electric is installing weather stations and AI-equipped cameras on utility poles across the islands to make more informed decisions about weather-related utility response.

The Public Utilities Commission will take public comment on Hawaiian Electric's wildfire mitigation plan next week. It lays out a range of strategies to reduce the risk of wildfires on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, and Maui Nui.

Hū Honua and Hawaiian Electric headed back to federal court Monday. Hū Honua first filed its lawsuit against HECO almost a decade ago, alleging antitrust actions and a breach of contract.

HPR continues to track the local impact of federal funding freezes. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote speaks to a Hawaiʻi Island group that has had its funding for a wildfire prevention project pulled.

A major roadblock to the $4 billion global settlement for the Maui wildfires has been cleared. A lawyer representing victims says it could mean that survivors receive their first settlement payments by the end of the year. HPR's Maddie Bender reports.

Lawmakers are looking to address Hawaiʻi's high electricity bills. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote reports on two different measures at the Legislature.

Gov. Josh Green is calling for a renewed push to expand rooftop solar. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote speaks with the head of the Hawaiʻi Solar Energy Association about the effort.