By Paula Dobbyn – civilbeat.org

Lawyers for Hu Honua say in federal court papers that the utility has engaged in illegal anticompetitive behavior.

Lawyers for Hu Honua are seeking $1 billion in damages from Hawaiian Electric for actions they say led to the tree-burning plant sitting idle.

In a lengthy filing in federal court in Honolulu, Hu Honua’s attorneys said Hawaiian Electric has engaged in anticompetitive behavior that has damaged not only the biomass company but Hawaii island customers who pay some of the highest energy costs in the country.

The electric company has acted with “shameless arrogance and disregard not just for competition, but for the people, economy, and environment of Hawaii Island,” according to the filing. 

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