Maui County sues Hawaiian Electric over wildfire negligence

Maui County is suing energy firm Hawaiian Electric, saying it failed to turn off electric equipment before wildfires started on the island.

If power lines had been switched off during exceptionally high winds and dry conditions, the destruction could have been avoided, the lawsuit said.

The Lahaina fire killed 115 and more than 1,000 people are still missing..

The company says it is disappointed the county chose to sue while the fire investigation was ongoing.

Witnesses say they saw sparks from power lines which ignited fires after utility poles were damaged by winds, caused by a passing hurricane.

The lawsuit said the utility company knew high winds "would topple power poles, knock down power lines, and ignite vegetation".