No Heco Bailout

Champion

The Wrong Fix for Hawaiʻi’s Energy Future

This year, lawmakers are considering legislation that would shield HECO from wildfire-related lawsuits and shift the financial burden onto ratepayers. It limits your rights, caps HECO’s liability, and sets the stage for rising energy costs—while leaving residents exposed to future disasters.

What’s Being Proposed—and Why It’s a Problem

A proposal under consideration would rewrite Hawaiʻi’s liability laws in a way that prioritizes corporate protection over community recovery. It aims to shield Hawaiian Electric from full financial responsibility for wildfires, shift the burden of wildfire-related costs onto everyday residents, and limit the ability of victims to recover damages through the courts.

It Shifts HECO’s Costs to You

The bill allows HECO to pass the financial fallout of wildfire damages onto ratepayers—even if HECO’s own negligence contributed to the disaster. That means higher monthly bills for families already struggling with the cost of living.

It Caps HECO’s Legal Liability

Instead of being held fully accountable, HECO would enjoy strict limits on how much it can be sued for. This shields the company from financial responsibility, no matter how widespread the damage or loss.

It Limits What Residents Can Sue For

If this bill becomes law, wildfire survivors may lose the right to sue for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or loss of property value. These restrictions could silence victims and leave them with no path to real justice.

It Creates a “Wildfire Fund” with Little Oversight

The bill sets up a wildfire fund backed by ratepayers—but without clear public oversight or guarantees that it will actually help those most affected. It’s a blank check with few strings attached.

It Sets a Dangerous Precedent

If this bill passes, it opens the door for other utilities and industries to seek similar protections—privatizing profits while socializing the risks. It sends the message that big corporations can dodge accountability when disaster strikes.