PUC Wildfire Investigation – Case No. 2024-01872

The PUC’s investigation of the August 8, 2023 wildfires on Maui is currently housed in a non-docketed case, which is primarily used as an information repository and cannot be used for decision-making. These repositories serve as a starting point for the PUC to develop the appropriate scoping for docketed proceedings where decision-making and Party intervention take place.

On January 23, 2024, the PUC opened Case No. 2024-01872, a non-docketed compliance investigation initiated by the PUC regarding Hawaiian Electric’s (“HECO”) role in the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Wildfires (8/8/23), the Mililani Mauka Fire (10/30/2023) and the Waianae Fire (11/14/2023) focused on the utility’s operations and equipment. The compliance investigation involves issuing Information Requests (“IRs”) to HECO, and responses thereto.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Maui Fire Department (“MFD”) are conducting a joint investigation into the sequence of events on August 8th, 2023. As part of that investigation, ATF traveled to Maui and requested resources from the PUC, and the PUC dedicated staff resources to support ATF and MFD in their joint investigation. The PUC is also committed to supporting the ongoing comprehensive review by the State Attorney General’s (“AG”) Office and the Fire Safety Research Institute (“FSRI”).

Additionally, the Commissioners have issued the following public statements related to investigating the Maui Wildfires:

  • April 5-11, 2024 – Commissioner Yost response to questions from the Hawaii Legislature at his confirmation hearings.
  • March 22, 2024 – Commissioner Yost testimony on Senate Concurrent Resolution 182, Urging The Public Utilities Commission To Honor And Comply With Its Statutory Duty To Investigate The Causes Of The August 2023 Maui Wildfires As Required By Section 269-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
  • October 27, 2023 – Chair Leo Asuncion response to questions from the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.
  • September 28, 2023 – Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing: “Investigating the Role of Electric Infrastructure in the Catastrophic Maui Fire”.
  • September 28, 2023 – Chair Leo Asuncion Statement- U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations – HHRG-118-IF02-Wstate-AsuncionL-20230928.pdf (house.gov)
  • September 19, 2023 – PUC Response to U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations – U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations – HHRG-118-IF02-20230928-SD003.pdf (house.gov)

MORE INFORMATION
See related Commission pages:

Updated 10/2024