Hawaii Supreme Court Clears $4 Billion Maui Wildfire Settlement, Blocking Insurer Lawsuits

The court ruled insurers cannot pursue independent legal action against those blamed for the 2023 wildfire, expediting compensation for victims.

The Hawaii Supreme Court unanimously ruled that insurance companies cannot file separate lawsuits against parties blamed for the 2023 Maui wildfire, resolving a key legal dispute.
This decision allows a $4 billion settlement, involving Hawaiian Electric and other defendants, to move forward, compensating thousands of victims of the devastating fire.
The wildfire, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, killed over 100 people, destroyed more than 2,000 structures in Lahaina, and caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damages.
Insurers, who have already paid over $2.3 billion in claims, argued for the right to pursue reimbursement, but the court ruled they must follow existing state mechanisms for recovery through insured parties.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green and victims' attorneys praised the decision, emphasizing that it accelerates the rebuilding and recovery process for the affected community.