Hawaiian Electric to Pay $1.99 Billion in Maui Wildfire Settlement

Hawaiian Electric has agreed to pay nearly $2 billion as part of a legal settlement over the deadly Maui wildfires that claimed over 100 lives and caused extensive damage. The utility's settlement follows claims it did not shut off power lines despite warnings, resulting in the fires.

Hawaiian Electric has agreed to pay $1.99 billion to settle lawsuits over the deadly Maui wildfires, which killed over 100 people and caused damage estimated at $5 billion. The wildfires, which started on Aug. 8, 2023, ravaged the historic coastal town of Lahaina.

The settlement, following four months of mediation, addresses claims that Hawaiian Electric failed to shut off power lines despite warnings about high winds. This amount includes $75 million already contributed to the One Ohana Initiative.

While the utility and other defendants admitted no legal liability, Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura expressed that the resolution allows all parties to move forward and helps the company regain financial stability. Payments are expected to start in mid-2025, pending judicial approval.