Hawaii
Victims fear $4B settlement will hide accountability as Maui wildfire investigations ongoing
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The $4 billion proposed settlement over Maui wildfires is raising questions about accountability.
Two major investigations into the fire and government response are still not complete, so, some victims wonder if the truth will ever come out.
When the settlement was announced Friday, Hawaiian Electric revealed immediately that it was paying about half of the $4 billion. The governor later said the state would pay another 20 percent% — about $800 million.
But for some, that raises questions about whether the payments have any connection to the level of responsibility for the disaster.
In December, Sanford Hill was demanding answers when he showed Hawaii News Now the remains of his apartment at Hale Mahaolu elderly housing. The quick settlement has him worried he’ll never learn the truth.
“They want to settle it before the AG report comes out. ATF report comes out before the truth comes out, and this is a way to do that,” Hill said.
The Maui Fire Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms are looking into the cause and progress of the fire, and the Attorney General into the response of government agencies.
Hill and others are asking how the lawsuits can be settled without knowing who was liable.
“You know, they’ve done a real good job of avoiding the responsibility. Nobody has been held accountable,” he said.
State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, Consumer Protection Committee Chair, said a settlement is the best outcome for everyone, but also wants to see accountability.
“That’s ultimately what the lawsuits are about,” he said. “They’re about making victims whole to the best extent possible, but they’re also about making sure that the irresponsible actions that caused the fire never happen again.”
Keohokalole said the Legislature will review the $800 million being promised by the state, which he said seems higher than its liability for fire damage and injury.
“It raises a lot of questions, because again, our understanding from the Governor’s administration is that the state would prevail if sued,” he said. “So why this number? What is it for?”
Maui Attorney Jan Apo, who represents hundreds of fire victim families, said settlements often don’t track actual levels of responsibility.
“The ability to pay is a big issue and the timing when people are willing to pay,” he said.
Apo said experts hired by victims’ lawyers proved HECO’s blown lines and poles caused the fire, but $2 billion was probably all it could afford to pay. The governor said the state’s $800 million helped prevent HECO or Maui County from being forced into bankruptcy.
Apo said a large amount from the state was essential, even if not in line with its responsibility.
“The state is being a big part of this settlement, and without them, the settlement probably would not have occurred,” he said.
Meanwhile, 73-year-old Sanford Hill doesn’t feel he has time to wait. He wants answers — but needs money.
“If I was younger, I would go to trial because I would get more money,” he said.
As for the two government investigations, the Attorney General’s Office said Tuesday its on track to finish later this summer, as promised.
Maui County is still waiting for the ATF report, which an ATF spokesman said is coming soon.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As students head back to class this week, the Honolulu City Council is seeking to lower speed limits in school zones.
Bill 44 would enforce 15 to 20 mile per hour limits in school zones.
It comes just a week after Gov. Josh Green proclaimed August “Pedestrian Safety Month” in Hawaii.
“Studies have shown that if you get hit by a car at 25 mph the outcomes are a lot worse than if you get hit by a car at 20 mph and so we know lower speed limits are safer for pedestrians, are safer for bicyclists,” said Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam.
“We have a lot of keiki and kupuna that walk to school. Hawaii’s always at the top of the list for pedestrian incidents. So, we wanna make sure drivers are driving safely and the pedestrians aren’t gonna be hit by a speeding driver,” he added.
Billy 44 has its first reading on Wednesday.
Councilmembers say it could become law by the end of the year.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
The state Department of Health has shut down the L&L Drive Inn in Captain Cook after discovering an active roach infestation, a suspected sewage backup and several other health violations in the restaurant.
NPS photo of hoʻokupu ceremony at Puʻukohola Heiau
(BIVN) – Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site will celebrate its 52nd anniversary Establishment Day, “Hoʻokuikahi”, this month.
The National Park Service says the annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024.
The event is free to the public, and this year will be held this year at the park Visitor Center as well as at Hawaiʻi County’s Spencer Beach Park at ‘Ohaiʻula.
From a National Park Service news release:
Festivities will commence on Saturday at 6:00 a.m. with a hoʻokupu (gift giving) ceremony, followed by various workshops and demonstrations showcasing traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, such as ulana lauhala (lauhala weaving), holo waʻa (canoe rides), kuiki (quilting), Hawaiian games, lei haku ame lei wili (different lei making styles), ulana niu (coconut frond weaving), kapa making, ‘upena kīloi (throw net), and hulu aliʻi (chiefly featherwork), kaula (cordage), live Hawaiian music, and so much more! The event will continue on Sunday, August 18 at 9:30 a.m. with traditional Hawaiian mele (music) & pule (prayer) at Spencer Beach Park and both days will conclude at 3:00 p.m..
This events theme is “Ke Kulana No’eau o ka wa Kahiko (Skilled Crafts of Ancient Hawaiʻi)”, with this year’s sub-theme being “E hoʻolono i ke kāhea”, which means ” Let us hear the call “.
NPS photo of lei poʻo
The event is free to attend and due to the significant May 2024 flood event and damage occurring in Kawaihae, will be held this year at the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site park Visitor Center and at the County Spencer Beach Park at ‘Ohai’ula. No activities this year will occur at the normal venue of Pelekane (Royal Courtyard).
The weather in Kawaihae is typically dry and humid, so it is recommended to use sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing, and bring your own water, refreshments, and lunch if you plan on staying all day.
This free public event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association, and Nā Aikane o Puʻukoholā Heiau, and made possible through countless volunteer hours and support provided by park community partners including Nā Papa Kanaka o Pu’ukoholā Heiau, Waimea Hawaiian Civic Club, Royal Order of Kamehameha Kohala Chapter, and many community members. For more information, please call 808-882-7218 ext. 1101 or visit nps.gov/puhe.
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