A controversial last-minute proposal in the Hawai’i' legislature could limit Hawaiian Electric Company's (HECO) liability for future wildfires — a move that has sparked criticism among victims of the catastrophic 2023 Lahaina fire.
Hawaii News Now spoke with attorney Beth Nardi about the development, which would allow HECO to cap its financial liability if it’s found responsible for another catastrophic fire. The bill would also allow HECO to use customer funds to upgrade its grid. Critics warn the plan could leave future victims without sufficient compensation, effectively shielding the utility from accountability.
Nardi, who represents Lahaina fire survivors and lost her own home in the 2023 blaze, called the proposal “deeply concerning,” warning that it prioritizes corporate protection over victim recovery.
“I was shocked, and frankly, I don’t think enough people know what has actually gone on,” Nardi said. “I think that people would be very upset if they knew that. “In Lahaina, it’s going to happen again and with the way the bill is currently set, it is not going to provide any meaningful compensation to the victims to help them rebuild their lives.”
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Nardi is an attorney at Maui-based Galliher DeRobertis & Waxman, a firm that has been a leader in the Lahaina wildfire litigation. With decades of experience representing Hawaii residents in injury cases, the firm is committed to securing justice for fire survivors and helping them rebuild with dignity and support.
The 2023 Maui wildfires were among the deadliest in U.S. history, devastating Lahaina and claiming the lives of at least 102 people. Fueled by dry conditions and powerful winds, the fires destroyed more than 2,000 structures—many of them homes and small businesses. Investigations revealed that the Hawaiian Electric Company failed to shut off power lines and respond to dangerous conditions, contributing to the fire’s ignition and spread. In the aftermath, HECO and other responsible parties agreed to a $4 billion settlement to compensate victims, many of whom are still struggling to rebuild their lives and communities nearly two years later.
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