Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced a $4 billion settlement resolving all tort claims arising from the Maui wildfires.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the seven defendants – the State of Hawaii, County of Maui, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum/Charter Communications – will provide compensation to all those who have brought claims for compensation arising from the Aug. 8, 2023 windstorms and wildfires on Maui, including the approximately 2,200 affected parties who filed lawsuits. The State of Hawaii will contribute to the settlement in addition to its $65 million contribution to the One ʻOhana Fund.
The settlement agreement was reached after more than four months of mediation and will resolve approximately 450 lawsuits filed by individuals, businesses, and insurance companies in state and federal courts for fires in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.
“This global settlement of over $4 billion will help our people heal,” said Green. “My priority as governor was to expedite the agreement and to avoid protracted and painful lawsuits so as many resources as possible would go to those affected by the wildfires as quickly as possible. Settling a matter like this within a year is unprecedented, and it will be good that our people don’t have to wait to rebuild their lives as long as others have in many places that have suffered similar tragedies.”
The settlement is conditional on the resolution of the insurance companies’ claims that have already been paid for property loss and other damages, with no additional payments from the defendants. Upon judicial approval of the settlement, payments could start by mid-2025.
Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Big number, but I am not sure it will really compensate everyone who was affected. Good news is that is was a fairly quick settlement
All eyes are on this attempted land grab.
Yes
My Condolences and Prayers for the families that have suffered so much.