Unprecedented $4 Billion Settlement Agreed for Catastrophic Maui Wildfires

In a landmark move, Governor Josh Green, M.D., has declared an unparalleled $4 billion settlement to rectify all tort claims resulting from the disastrous wildfires that engulfed Maui in 2023. This settlement implicates seven defendants who have collectively conceded to recompense roughly 2,200 parties affected, who subsequently filed lawsuits after the ruinous wildfires.

Wildfires Traced Back to State Utility Provider’s Failure

The catastrophic fires on August 8, 2023, were traced back to the state’s primary utility provider’s failures during a crucial windstorm. Investigations revealed that downed power lines ignited the fatal wildfires, contradicting the Democrats’ narrative linking such disasters to climate change. The Associated Press reported that people in Maui who drove around a road barricade blocking the lone paved road from Lahaina as fires raged earlier this month survived, while those who obeyed perished in their cars or fled to the nearby ocean.

Questions Raised Over Investigation Transparency

Initially, Hawaii State Attorney General Anne E. Lopez opted to withhold initial findings from the public regarding the colossal Maui wildfires. This decision was allegedly made to “protect the integrity” of the ongoing investigation according to a statement from the Department of the Attorney General. However, this decision has sparked concerns about the transparency of the investigation, with local residents questioning whether this “independent investigation” will indeed remain unbiased.

Lawsuit and Proposed Settlement

The government of Maui County promptly responded by filing a lawsuit against the Hawaii Electric Company and its subsidiaries, alleging negligence in their failure to power down electrical equipment during dangerous weather conditions. The proposed settlement remains subject to final documentation and court approval and 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.

Read the press release below:

Today, Governor Josh Green, M.D., announced a historic settlement to resolve all tort claims arising from the Maui wildfires. Less than a year after devastating wildfires on Maui, the seven defendants – state of Hawai’i, County of Maui, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, West Maui Land Co., Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum/Charter Communications – undertook significant efforts to find a resolution that addresses the needs and ensures the well-being of plaintiffs, all affected individuals, and their families.

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“This was an extraordinary and unprecedented effort by many people to address the tragic impacts of the wildfires in less than a year,” Governor Green continued. “Resolving this so quickly shows how Hawai’i is different, how we come together in times of crisis to heal together as a community.”

Source: The Gateway Pundit

Source: Steadfast Nation