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A new report released by Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez includes a minute-by-minute analysis of the actions taken by emergency organizations and first responders, as well as an assessment of the environmental conditions that exacerbated the Lahaina fire in August 2023. It does not, however, determine the cause of the fire. HPR's Ashley Mizuo and Savannah Harriman-Pote have more.
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Hawaiian Electric could face close to $5 billion in potential liabilities from the lawsuits filed over the Maui wildfires, according to the consulting firm Capstone. The Conversation talked to Capstone analysts Alyssa Lu and Josh Price as state lawmakers prepare to decide on legislation that could impact HECO's bottom line.
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The Maui Fire Department released a separate report this week about its response to the deadly August wildfires. Chief Brad Ventura said staffing was not an issue as firefighters from across the state flew in to help — but the limited amount of vehicles and equipment available on Maui posed challenges. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports.
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The report indicates that environmental and geographic factors combined with preparedness and response conditions enabled the Lahaina fire to rapidly intensify in August 2023. In the coming days, the HPR news team will bring you stories about how the report impacts local government, Hawaiʻi's main electric utility, and the community.
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A Lahaina homeowners meeting tonight and a Kula community meeting on Wednesday are opportunities for residents to learn more about the next steps in fire recovery for those communities.
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The Maui Fire Department is expected to release a report Tuesday detailing how the agency responded to a series of wildfires that burned on the island during a windstorm last August.
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The Board of Land and Natural Resources’ ongoing practice of issuing temporary permits to divert water from East Maui streams was upheld in a decision by the Hawaiʻi appeals court. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports.
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Lāna'i will be getting federally subsidized air service for the first time. Mokulele Airlines and Pacific Air Charters have submitted competitive bids. Both are proposing 42 weekly round trips between Lānaʻi and Honolulu, and 21 weekly round trips to Maui. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the selection process is currently underway.
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Some lawmakers say it's crucial that the Public Utilities Commission open a public docket to protect the independence of the fire investigation. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote has more.
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Speaking to The Conversation, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen shared his reaction to Green's decision about short-term rental moratoriums and reflected on his State of the County address on March 15, in which he outlined a path forward for a "heartbroken" community.