A couple in Hawaii were sent a $18,000 bill for streetlights.
A couple in Hawaii were given a bill for $18,000
Desha-Ann and Rashaan Kealoha - who live in Waianac on Oahu - were “shocked” to discover they are being charged for years-worth of a street lamp usage due to a local authority planning error and hope to find a “solution” with the Hawaii Electric Company
Desha-Ann told KHON2: "I was shocked, overwhelmed and confused, but still remained hopeful that there is some solution to this. My husband has a colorful vocabulary -- he was upset."
The finding was prompted after HECO refused to repair a light as it is a private road.
However, Desha-Ann says when the got their mortgage, there was no mention of the street being their responsibility.
A HECO spokesperson said: "We're working with all parties and have spoken with the Kealohas. We want to assure them that we don't expect them to pay the outstanding bill. Our goal is to determine who owns the street where the streetlights are located so that the bill can be paid going forward."
Desha-Ann responded: "That is definitely a common goal that I hope can be resolved as well Failure for the developers to complete the dedication process should not be my issue. Not sure who dropped the ball here, but it's out of my control."