$4 billion settlement agreed upon for Maui’s lethal and devastating wildfires

Hawaii’s biggest power utility and other defendants have tentatively agreed to pay over $4 billion to settle lawsuits related to devastating wildfires in Maui almost a year ago. The settlement, if approved, would resolve around 450 lawsuits filed by homeowners and businesses impacted by fires in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. The wildfires, the deadliest in modern American history, caused an estimated $5 billion in damages and led to over 100 deaths in Lahaina. The proposed agreement involves seven defendants, including the state of Hawaii, County of Maui, and Hawaiian Electric, among others. The settlement is considered a historic one and aims to help victims heal without lengthy litigation. The state’s contribution to the settlement will need approval from the Legislature, and payments are expected to start in mid-2025. Following wildfires that spread in West Maui in August 2023, over 2,200 parties filed lawsuits, with many accusing Hawaiian Electric of negligence and disregarding warnings about potential catastrophic fires on the island. Hawaiian Electric serves 95% of the state’s electric customers and has faced numerous legal cases related to the wildfires in Maui. Overall, the settlement is seen as a significant step towards providing compensation to those affected by the devastating wildfires in Hawaii.

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