Maui fire housing losses high for low-income rentals
A state agency is exploring ways to expedite replacement of Maui low-income rental housing to offset losses from the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire. Read more
A state agency is exploring ways to expedite replacement of Maui low-income rental housing to offset losses from the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire. Read more
The remnants of a worker housing camp for the last sugar plantation to close on Oahu could become a new subdivision for primarily low-income households reflecting the character of the rural community in Waialua where some century-old homes still stand. Read more
Lahaina fire recovery efforts hit their one-month mark Friday, and are now at what Gov. Josh Green calls a pivot point to provide longer-term housing for several thousand displaced people until they can rebuild or replace what they lost. Read more
A two-year reduction in Hawaii’s economic growth is expected largely from losses stemming from the Aug. 8 fire that destroyed Lahaina, a state report forecasts. Read more
Sales of previously owned homes on Oahu remained depressed in August while prices didn’t change much amid higher mortgage interest rates, an industry report released Wednesday shows. Read more
The state of Hawaii and major local landowner Kamehameha Schools are two new entities being sued over alleged liability in the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire. Read more
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To residents, civil defense leaders and even Gov. Josh Green, the siren warnings have varying purposes or meanings. And the roughly 10 million tourists who visit Hawaii each year generally have even less understanding of siren sounds. Read more
The lawsuit says Hawaii’s long-standing shortage of affordable housing is not a disaster or emergency resulting from natural or human-caused hazards that allow for emergency proclamations under state law. Read more
Three members of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce send questions to the utility company, the state Public Utilities Commission and the Hawaii State Energy Office. Read more
Nearly $100 million is “on the way” from the federal government to upgrade Hawaii’s electric grid to better withstand extreme weather events, but it’s unclear how many improvements the money can pay for as well as where and when. Read more
Some critics scolded the panel for not consulting Lahaina community members on proposed projects that could benefit people displaced by the Aug. 8 wildfire. Read more
Rick Fried, a private attorney representing the county, said, “The ultimate responsibility rests with HECO to de-energize, ensure its equipment and systems are properly maintained, and ensure downed power lines are not energized.” Read more
A rock quarry in Makakilo that has long aggravated some and appeased other residents in communities built around the 50-year-old mining enterprise is aiming to expand and extend operations. Read more
Hawaiian Electric is stockpiling cash in an effort to weather a financial and legal storm after the Maui fire disaster that razed Lahaina and killed at least 115 people. Read more
One of Hawaiian Electric’s largest customers — Maui County — on Thursday sued the local utility serving 95% of the state, alleging that the company is liable for damage from three wildfires. Read more
At least eight lawsuits have been filed against the utility over claims that the utility is responsible for the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century. Read more
A state service to connect Maui fire survivors with places to live other than hotel rooms is gaining traction. Read more
Regardless of whether Hawaiian Electric is found ultimately responsible, there will be major repercussions for the company, its customers and its stockholders. Read more
Shares of parent company Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. closed at $12.03, down from $14.57 on Wednesday. Read more
Hawaii’s biggest utility company appears to be exploring ways to navigate extraordinary financial challenges arising from the Maui wildfires last week and amid litigation over damage from the deadly catastrophe. Read more
New levels of federal assistance for Maui fire survivors who suffered losses rolled out Monday, including free hotel lodging and one-time $700 payments per household for any critical needs. Read more