HECO Lawsuit Claims Office / Apo, Reck & Kusachi, Attorneys at Law

HECO Lawsuit Claims Office, led by Maui-based Jan K. Apo and partnered with mainland wildfire specialists, represents residents harmed by the August 2023 Lahaina fires. The firm combines 40 years of local experience with national expertise from attorneys who secured a $13.5 billion settlement in California wildfire cases.

About

HECO Lawsuit Claims Office, led by Maui attorney Jan K. Apo and partnered with mainland wildfire litigation specialists, represents residents and property owners harmed by the August 2023 Lahaina fires. The firm is dedicated to holding Hawaiian Electric Company accountable for negligence and securing maximum compensation for survivors and victims across Maui County.

Jan K. Apo has practiced law on Maui for 40 years and was born and raised in Lahaina. He previously challenged Hawaiian Electric 28 years ago in a successful case involving negligently installed and poorly maintained power poles. Recognizing that the scale and complexity of the current wildfire litigation demanded expertise beyond what he could provide alone, Apo partnered with Mikal Watts and his team, who represent over 22,000 people across utility-sparked wildfires on the mainland. Watts led negotiations in the 2017 and 2018 California wildfires that resulted in a record $13.5 billion settlement, enabling thousands of families to rebuild homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

The HECO Lawsuit team brings together attorneys, community advocates, insurance experts, fire cause and origin specialists, medical experts, and case managers—many of whom live on Maui and have proven success in previous fire litigation. This integrated approach combines local knowledge and commitment with national experience in major wildfire cases. The firm emphasizes that 99.7% of Watts's clients remained engaged throughout their entire legal process, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive client support and advocacy.

The firm's mission centers on accountability and justice. Apo has stated that Hawaiian Electric's documented history of negligence—including the pole maintenance issues that led to his successful case decades earlier, combined with numerous subsequent fire events and published climate studies—should have prompted the company to address its grid vulnerabilities. Instead, continued inattention and lack of care contributed to the catastrophic 2023 fires that affected the community Apo has dedicated his career to serving.

HECO Lawsuit Claims Office is located in Wailuku and maintains office hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Prospective clients can reach the firm at (808) 736-1191 or schedule an appointment through their website.

Overview compiled from the firm's website