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.

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