Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced a $4.037 billion settlement to address claims from the tragic August 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. The fires resulted in over 100 deaths, thousands displaced, and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.
The settlement involves seven defendants: the state of Hawai’i, County of Maui, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom, and Spectrum/Charter Communications. They have worked together to meet the needs of those affected by the fires.
Approximately 450 lawsuits from individuals, businesses, and insurance companies in both state and federal courts are addressed by this settlement. The agreement awaits final documentation and court approval and aims to expedite resources to the affected individuals.
“My priority as Governor was to expedite the agreement and to avoid protracted and painful lawsuits so as many resources as possible would go to those affected by the wildfires as quickly as possible,” said Green. Payments are expected to start as early as mid-2025, following judicial and legislative review.
Among those tragically lost were four members of a Tongan family: Malui’fonua Tone, his wife Fa’aoso, their daughter Salote Takafua, and her 7-year-old son Tony Takafua. They were found in a burned car near their home, having tried to escape the fire.
Hawaii has a large Tongan American population, with 8,496 people of Tongan descent, including 1,000 in Honolulu.
