As reported by AP News, parties involved in the Lahaina wildfire lawsuits against the state of Hawaii, Maui County, and utilities are nearing a global settlement worth over $4 billion.
Governor Josh Green stated on Wednesday that the details are expected to be finalized in the coming days, possibly by August 6, two days before the fire’s one-year anniversary.
Green mentioned the hopeful finalization, saying: “If that could happen, it would be great. I humbly invite all the parties to finalize the agreement.”
Over 600 lawsuits have been filed concerning the fire that killed 102 people and destroyed historic Lahaina.
A judge had appointed mediators in the spring to facilitate the settlement talks.
However, as of July 18, Judge Peter Cahill indicated that no official settlement notice had been received, although no impasse was reported.
Maui attorney Jake Lowenthal confirmed there is no finalized settlement yet.
The mediation process remains confidential, with no comments from Hawaiian Electric Company or Maui County.
Jim Bickerton, representing one of the landowners sued, highlighted that the settlement would include provisions for those without legal representation or claims yet.
Governor Green emphasized the urgency of the settlement to aid in Lahaina’s recovery, comparing it to prolonged settlements in other regions affected by wildfires.
He pointed out that the additional $4 billion, beyond the $3 billion from insurance, is crucial for rebuilding efforts.
In a related story, 17-year-old Keith Nove Baniqued, who faced the devastation of the Lahaina wildfire, is set to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with the help of $325,000 in scholarships awarded to 13 Lahainaluna High School graduates.
This financial aid, from the Maui Strong Fund and the Downtown Athletic Club of Hawaii, aims to support students affected by the fire.
Baniqued shared her initial hesitation to pursue higher education, focusing instead on her family’s immediate needs post-fire.
However, the reopening of her school reignited her college aspirations, leading to her successful application to UNLV’s nursing program.
Keith Amemiya, president of the athletic club, noted: “A lifechanging opportunity like this can be beneficial to any Hawaii high school graduate, and even more so for Lahainaluna graduates and all they’ve gone through.”
The University of Hawaii also offered scholarships for 2024 Lahainaluna graduates, resulting in a record number of college-bound students from the school.
The scholarships underscore the resilience of students who have faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the wildfire.
These opportunities are seen as a crucial step in their long-term recovery and future success.
