The Hawaii Supreme Court issued an opinion February 10, 2026 in *Burnes v. Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.*, a complex case arising from the devastating Lahaina fire that killed more than 100 people on August 8, 2023. The ruling addresses issues involving fire victims, Hawaiian Electric Company, and multiple insurance companies seeking subrogation rights in one of the state's most significant disaster-related legal proceedings.

The case, designated SCAP-XX-XXXXXXX, originated from the Circuit Court of the Second Circuit and involves Nova Burnes and other plaintiffs as appellees, Hawaiian Electric Company as defendants-appellees, and ACE American Insurance Company and other insurers as intervenor subrogation plaintiffs-appellants.

The August 8, 2023 fire devastated Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, causing catastrophic damage that extends far beyond property losses. The disaster destroyed historic sites, displaced hundreds of residents, and disrupted numerous local businesses. The litigation encompasses both individual lawsuits and class actions that were initially removed to federal court before being consolidated in state court.

The complex legal proceedings involve questions of liability and damages related to one of Hawaii's most devastating natural disasters. Multiple insurance companies have sought to intervene in the case as subrogation plaintiffs, seeking recovery rights for claims they have paid to policyholders affected by the fire.

The Supreme Court's ruling represents a significant development in the ongoing legal aftermath of the Lahaina fire, which continues to impact the Maui community as residents and businesses work to rebuild and recover from the unprecedented destruction.