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Hawaii Governor Josh Green revealed on Friday a monumental $4.037 billion settlement aimed at resolving legal claims linked to the devastating Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023. The fires tragically claimed over 100 lives, displaced thousands, and left a swath of destruction across homes and businesses.
This significant resolution was announced as the one-year anniversary of the disaster approaches. Involved in the settlement are seven key entities: the State of Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom, and Spectrum/Charter Communications. The governor’s office shared that these parties made considerable efforts to craft a settlement that meets the needs of the plaintiffs and supports the well-being of all affected families and individuals.
The agreement aims to settle around 450 lawsuits that sprung up in the aftermath, filed by individuals, businesses, and insurers across both state and federal courts focusing on the areas of Lahaina and Upcountry on Maui.
However, the settlement is yet waiting for final documentation and approval by the court, stated the governor’s office. The agreement, in its current state, depends on resolving the claims by insurance companies for losses and damages already compensated, with no further payments required from some defendants involved. Payment disbursements from the finalized settlement are anticipated to commence by mid-2025, pending judicial and legislative approvals.
Governor Green emphasized the urgency in reaching this settlement swiftly to sidestep prolonged litigation and direct maximum resources for the wildfire victims’ recovery. “Achieving such a settlement within a year is unprecedented, which is beneficial as it enables our community to begin rebuilding sooner rather than later,” said Green in his statement on Friday.
Even as the community prepares to mark the one-year memorial of the lost lives, rebuilding efforts such as issuing new building permits and removing debris are ongoing, with many families still facing displacement.
This settlement compels Maui to address broader pressing issues exacerbated by the catastrophe, including tourism impacts, climate change, and the need for affordable housing, which have all become critical to the community’s recovery strategies.
In response to the provisional settlement, Maui County stated late Friday that this agreement lays the foundation for continued support and compensation for those affected. “This is a vital initial step, showing the commitment of all parties to achieve a full settlement benefitting those impacted by the devastating fires,” said County Corporation Counsel Victoria Takayesu. “The County is fully committed to the reconstruction of Lahaina and bolstering our community through this tough time.”