Current:Home > BackHawaii’s governor releases details of $175M fund to compensate Maui wildfire victims-InfoLens
Hawaii’s governor releases details of $175M fund to compensate Maui wildfire victims
View Date:2024-12-23 15:54:06
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Tuesday that a $175 million fund to compensate families of people killed in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century will begin accepting applications at the end of the week.
The fund for Maui wildfire victims will also pay those who were hospitalized with severe injuries.
Families of those killed would receive $1.5 million after their eligibility is confirmed by a retired Hawaii judge. Those seriously injured would receive a share determined by the judge. Maui County has confirmed the deaths of 101 people from the Aug. 8 wildfire that destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. Two people are still missing.
Green framed the fund as an option for survivors considering suing the state of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric or other utilities and landowners for their role in the blaze.
People who accept the fund’s money will waive their right to sue the entities who contributed to the fund. Hawaiian Electric is the single largest underwriter at $75 million, followed by the state of Hawaii at $65 million, landowner Kamehameha Schools at $17.5 million and Maui County at $10 million.
Green said those who sue could potentially wait three, four or five years before they receive money and incur significant legal costs.
“This recovery fund amounts to an offer and it’s really up to people if they choose to take this offer,” Green said at an announcement and news conference.
Multiple lawsuits have already been filed on behalf of wildfire victims against the state, the county, utilities and landlords.
Hawaii lawmakers haven’t appropriated the $65 million needed for the state’s share. Green said he expects they will do so after seeing this is the “compassionate” approach and that it’s a way for the state to avoid expensive and lengthy litigation.
But even if they don’t, Green said his emergency proclamation for the wildfire gives him powers to put forward the state’s share.
Ronald Ibarra, a retired state judge who was formerly chief judge of the Third Circuit Court in Hilo, will evaluate claims as the fund’s administrator.
“It’s important to have someone that is local who really understands the people of our state - also the people of a rural community,” Green said.
Ibarra said $25 million of the fund would be reserved for the seriously injured. He said up to $10 million more would be made available for the injured if there’s money remaining after families of those killed have been compensated.
Green said if there’s money left over after all claims have been paid, the balance will be returned to the funders in proportion to the amount they donated. The governor said it’s unlikely that all survivors will file claims.
“I would be very surprised if 100% of people took this offer because some people will find that it’s better to litigate. That is absolutely okay,” he said.
The fund is named “One Ohana” after the Hawaiian word for family. It begins accepting applications on March 1.
veryGood! (86487)
Related
- Disney x Lululemon Limited-Edition Collection: Shop Before It Sells Out
- Why Jim Harbaugh should spurn the NFL, stay at Michigan and fight to get players paid
- Family of woman shot during January 6 Capitol riot sues US government, seeking $30 million
- How the Golden Globes is bouncing back after past controversies
- GreenBox Systems will spend $144 million to build an automated warehouse in Georgia
- Nadal withdraws from the Australian Open with an injury just one tournament into his comeback
- Halle Bailey and DDG's Baby Boy Makes His Music Video Debut
- 'Wait Wait' for January 6, 2024: New Year, New Interviews!
- Ariana Grande's Brunette Hair Transformation Is a Callback to Her Roots
- Run to Coach Outlet's 70% Off Clearance Sale for $53 Wallets, $68 Crossbodies & More
Ranking
- Michigan soldier’s daughter finally took a long look at his 250 WWII letters
- Thousands of mourners in Islamabad attend funeral for Pakistani cleric gunned down in broad daylight
- How the Dire Health Implications of Climate Change Are Unfolding Globally
- Fact checking Netflix's 'Society of the Snow' plane disaster with director J.A. Bayona
- MLS Star Marco Angulo Dead at 22 One Month After Car Crash
- Cameron Diaz Speaks Out After Being Mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein Documents
- Halle Bailey and DDG's Baby Boy Makes His Music Video Debut
- Mark Cuban giving $35 million in bonuses to Dallas Mavericks employees after team sale
Recommendation
-
Massachusetts lawmakers to consider a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution
-
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Makes Red Carpet Debut a Week After Prison Release
-
Warriors guard Chris Paul fractures left hand, will require surgery
-
‘Wonka’ is No. 1 at the box office again as 2024 gets off to a slower start
-
Video shows Starlink satellite that resembled fireball breaking up over the Southwest: Watch
-
Don’t Miss This $59 Deal on a $300 Kate Spade Handbag and More 80% Discounts That Are Sure To Sell Out
-
The US sees a drop in illegal border crossings after Mexico increases enforcement
-
Pope Francis warns against ideological splits in the Church, says focus on the poor, not ‘theory’