The families of those who died in the Maui fire last year could receive up to $1.5 million in compensation if they choose to not sue state agencies and companies involved.
Gov. Josh Green (D) made the announcement at a press conference marking the six-month mark since a wildfire swept the tourist town of Lahaina killing 100 people and displacing many more.
The One ‘Ohana Initiative is a $175 million fund with contributions from the state of Hawaii, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric Company, Kamehameha Schools, Charter Communications, Hawaiian Telcom and the West Maui Land Company.
“The 100 individuals that were lost all had families and we have put together $175 million, if they choose, in a voluntary way, to accept a settlement of $1.5 million that would go to each family,” Green said.
The funds, if families choose to participate, would be given out starting March 1 and roll out over the course of three months. The money is directed toward families that lost a loved one in the wildfire or were injured severely.