WAIANAE, Hawaii: A Hawaiian couple, Desha-Ann and Rashann Kealoha, have received an $18,000 electricity bill after their electric company said they were responsible for paying for their neighborhood street lights.

WTEN-TV reported that the couple, who live in Waianac, received a letter from the Hawaiian Electric Company on 27th January stating that they were the legal owners of the street and were, therefore, responsible for payments of $18,000, due to “several years of unpaid invoices.”

According to the report, Hawaiian Electric Company wrote in the letter, “Hawaiian Electric recently learned that you both own Halemaluhia Place. Because you own the street upon which the street lights are located, Hawaiian Electric believes that you are responsible for the payment of electric energy supplied to these streetlights.”

After contacting the media, Kealoha said, “Yes, I was shocked, overwhelmed and confused, but still remained hopeful that there is some solution to this.”

WTEN also reported that Hawaiian Electric Company provided documentation showing which of the street lights allegedly belonged to the couple, which have been powered for several years without payment.

“During the review, Hawaiian Electric learned that several of these accounts did not have an existing customer,” the letter stated.

WTEN further reported that Kealoha said this was the first time she heard about owning the lights. She reached out to her realtor, who subsequently contacted the escrow office.

Meanwhile, a Hawaiian Electric Company spokesperson said it does not expect the couple to pay the balance, but it is working with them and the city to track down those responsible for paying the bill.

“We are working with all parties and have spoken with the Kealohas. We want to assure them that we do not expect them to pay the outstanding bill,” said utility spokesperson Shannon Tangonan.