Hawaii HB1638 limits property damage claims from wildfires caused by electric utilities.

Hawaii HB1638 amends state law to limit claims for property damage from wildfires caused by electric utilities. The bill defines "covered catastrophic wildfires" as those potentially caused or exacerbated by electric utility facilities or actions. It restricts damages to actual losses, prohibiting punitive damages. The Public Utilities Commission must establish rules for maximum payable amounts for such claims, considering various factors including impacts on electric utility solvency, customer rates, and wildfire mitigation efforts.

Hawaii HB1638 limits property damage claims from wildfires caused by electric utilities.

Hawaii HB1638 amends state law to limit claims for property damage from wildfires caused by electric utilities. The bill defines "covered catastrophic wildfires" as those potentially caused or exacerbated by electric utility facilities or actions. It restricts damages to actual losses, prohibiting punitive damages. The Public Utilities Commission must establish rules for maximum payable amounts for such claims, considering various factors including impacts on electric utility solvency, customer rates, and wildfire mitigation efforts.