MAUI, Hawaii (NV) – Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced Friday, August 2, that a $4 billion settlement has been reached for claims stemming from last year’s devastating Maui wildfires.
Under the settlement, which is still pending court approval, “the seven defendants will pay $4.037 billion in damages to those who have sued for damages stemming from the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfire and storm, including approximately 2,200 affected plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits,” according to a press release from Governor Green’s office.
Defendants include the state of Hawaii, the County of Maui, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Company, Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum/Charter Communications, according to the release.
Last August’s wildfires burned more than 2,000 acres in Lahaina and hundreds of acres in Kula and Olinda, on Maui. The destruction of homes, businesses, infrastructure, roads, and tourism could cost $6 billion, Moody’s estimates. More than 100 people died in the fires.
The agreement comes after more than four months of negotiations to resolve about 450 lawsuits filed by individuals, businesses and insurance companies in federal and state courts. (TTHN)