Hundreds of Lahaina fire victims came out strongly against a bill that could allow HECO to impose a new fee on customers to help prevent wildfires.

Hawaiian Electric Co. executives want an extra fee of up to 5% added to electric bills to develop and implement a wildfire prevention plan.

Senators also gave preliminary approval to a $19 billion supplemental budget bill to pay for state government operations for the coming year.

Senators worry about the escalating costs for Maui hotels that the federal government is refusing to pay.

Hawaiian Electric Industries' president and chief executive has said the company may look at "shareholder contributions" and new fees on customers to help cover claims.

Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz is raising red flags about mounting costs as his Ways and Means Committee considers emergency appropriation measures.

Critics question the proposed election process for the new agency officials.

Lawmakers are considering a number of bills that aim to play a role in the West Maui town's recovery after the Aug. 8 fires.

Politicians have heeded firefighters' calls in light of the Aug. 8 wildfires, submitting draft bills to establish a fire marshal after the position was disbanded decades ago.

The deputy water commissioner told one state lawmaker he didn't want to be 'an obstacle.' But he's not commenting publicly.