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Tentative settlement reached as Maui struggles to rebuild
This month marked the first anniversary of the most devastating natural disaster in Hawaii’s history—the deadly wildfire that tore through the picturesque town of Lahaina on August 8, 2023.
Driven by high winds, the fast-moving fire claimed the lives of over 100 people, leveled more than 2200 structures and caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damages. Homes and businesses were reduced to heaps of rubble and ash. Important cultural and historical sites were destroyed. After the fire, when residents were allowed to return to properties in the burn zone, they searched the debris for mementos of their former lives, often finding that nearly all of their possessions had been destroyed. 8% of the residential debris has now been cleared, but owners and inhabitants are still displaced and are still dealing with the physical, financial, and emotional impacts of the fire. Rebuilding will take years.
Beyond the physical impacts and injuries caused by the fire, the emotional toll and suffering sustained by victims is immeasurable. The emotional healing process will be long and difficult. The people of Lahaina suffered a significant and complex mass trauma. As the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) concluded, Lahaina fire victims report “suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. Traditional psychotherapy can help relieve some of the suffering and grief of many who experienced these events, but it is not enough.”
What caused the Lahaina fire?
In the days before the fire, the idyllic island of Maui was under red flag warnings due to hot, dry conditions and powerful 60-80 mph gusts caused by Hurricane Dora, a category 4 storm moving south of the island through the Pacific. Local officials and the National Weather Service raised serious fire concerns.
Data from the National Park Service shows that human activity ignites nearly 85% of U.S. wildfires. A preliminary report by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) supported the theory that “an afternoon fire that destroyed much of Lahaina was a continuation of a morning fire caused by a fallen Hawaiian Electric Co. power line,” Honolulu Civil Beat reported.
Survivors expressed frustration that Maui’s network of warning sirens were never sounded and that emergency alerts sent via text, cell phone, TV, and radio didn’t reach them due to widespread power outages. Without timely information, many were forced to make terrifying last-second escapes—fleeing on foot through thick smoke with flames closing in, plunging into the ocean while everything they owned burned, and waiting desperately for news of missing loved ones.
Legal Help for Lahaina Wildfire Victims
More than 2000 Maui fire victims have filed claims seeking to recover for damages they’ve suffered from the 2023 Maui wildfires. After months of negotiations, a tentative global $4 billion settlement aimed at helping Lahaina fire survivors has been reached. Seven defendants, including Hawaiian Electric, will contribute. However, the proposed settlement is subject to a number of additional things taking place, including approval by the court and state legislature. The agreement also faces challenges from the insurance industry.
Once the $4 billion settlement is approved and final, the allocation and payout process will commence. Being represented by qualified lawyers in the process of filing a claim or a lawsuit may help ensure that victims obtain adequate compensation.
Kabateck LLP represents more than 200 families and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfire, including the families of more than ten people who were killed by the fires. Our skilled and caring team is here to help obtain relief and compensation for our clients.
Victims may be entitled to a portion of the $4 billion Lahaina Fire settlement if:
- You suffered physical or emotional injuries from the Lahaina fire (smoke inhalation, burns, PTSD, anxiety);
- You lost a family member in the fire;
- You had to flee from the fire; or
- Your home, property, or business was damaged or destroyed by the fire
These cases are extremely time-sensitive. Hawaii’s statute of limitations for wildfire cases typically provides a two-year window to make a claim, but this deadline can be modified depending on the circumstances. If you don’t file before the applicable deadline, you may lose your right to sue or recover any compensation.
While a financial settlement cannot undo the loss, grief, and trauma you’ve suffered, it may make the healing and rebuilding process easier. Don’t wait—reach out to Kabateck LLP today.
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Donald S. Guzman is the Hawaiʻi lawyer responsible for this content. Cases may be associated with, or referred to, other law firms as co-counsel or referral counsel. No guarantee of recovery. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.