More than 10,000 plaintiffs, including homeowners, businesses and other individuals, will receive a total of $4 billion in settlements following a devastating wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui that killed 102 people and destroyed the historic city of Lahaina.
The plaintiff reached a settlement with seven defendants: the State of Hawaii, the County of Maui, Hawaiian ElectricKamehameha Schools, west maui land corp., Hawaii Telecom and Spectrum/Charter Communications.
The settlement was reported Friday. New York Times The fee represents only half of the estimated $12 billion total cost of the wildfires, which is still pending court approval, the governor’s office announced, according to state court filings. Months of mediation have been underway between fire victims, insurance companies, large private landowners and utility providers to resolve more than 600 lawsuits stemming from the fires.
More than 3,000 homes and other buildings were destroyed in fires in August 2023. It takes months or years to reach a settlement. State officials also want to minimize the huge financial impact on Maui County and Hawaiian Electric Co. A larger settlement could bankrupt the utility provider.
“I want to thank our expert mediators and the parties to the settlement for their work in putting Hawaii’s recovery and recovery ahead of personal or other interests,” Green said in a statement. “In the coming weeks, We will provide details on numbers and costs, and when resources will be available to survivors and their families. Overall, the total scope of recovery, including past insurance claims, county, federal and state support, will be close to $12 billion. Dollar.
The state will also pay the settlement amount, according to the governor’s office. The contribution is subject to approval by the state Legislature, and settlement payments are expected to begin in mid-2025.
Green praised the speed with which the settlement was reached.
“In less than a year, many people have made an extraordinary and unprecedented effort to address the tragic impacts of wildfires,” Green added. “Addressing this problem so quickly shows how different Hawaii is and how we Come together in times of crisis to heal together as a community.”
The effects of the disaster are still felt. recent, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (head-up display) and federal housing administration (FHA) extends foreclosure moratorium for third time since August 2023.
