Maui wildfire death toll, already highest in modern U.S. history, could surge
NBCAUG 2023
Instead of acting to save lives, HECO sat by as its utility poles got knocked down and Lahaina burned. The lack of a formal shutoff program is an excuse that doesn’t withstand the evidence. HECO should be held accountable.
HECO used sound logic when it didn’t completely shut down Maui’s power. Hawaii needed electricity for firefighters and first responders to do their jobs. A power shutdown could have made the situation worse, and blaming one party for a complex problem does nothing to improve the situation. More context is needed here.
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