The new lawsuit, first obtained by NBC News, alleges that Hawaiian Electric helped set the stage for the monstrous wildfires last week.
The plaintiffs allege years of inaction and negligence by the utility company, and argue that the firm should have had plans in place to shut down power systems before fierce winds blew across Hawaii.
"Hawaiian Electric is not just responsible and they weren't just negligent," said Mikal Watts, a lead attorney on the case.
Hawaiian Electric Company declined to comment on the pending lawsuits, saying that would violate an internal policy.
Darren Pai, a spokesperson for the company, said Hawaiian Electric was aware of the allegations but remained focused on restoring power to Maui.
Persons:
Mikal Watts, Darren Pai, Watts, Pai
Organizations:
NBC News, Electric, Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission
Locations:
Lahaina , Hawaii, Hawaii, Maui, California, Lahaina