A Hawaiian Electric power line fell early on the morning of Aug. 8, sparking a fire in overgrown brush near the edge of town. Pictures and crosses are displayed at a public hillside memorial to Lahaina wildfire victims on August 1, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. First responders also had trouble getting a firm answer from Hawaiian Electric representatives if the power had been cut to the area. That’s the amount the defendants — including Hawaiian Electric, the state, Maui County, large landowners and others — have agreed to pay to settle claims. Lawyers for people seeking compensation fear allowing insurance companies to sue Hawaiian Electric and others will subvert the deal, drain what is available to pay fire victims and lead to prolonged litigation.

---

Persons: Josh Green, Mario Tama, — Organizations: Honolulu AP, US, of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives, Maui Fire Department, Getty, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Gov, Electric, Hawaii Supreme, policyholders Locations: Honolulu, Maui, Lahaina, Lahaina , Hawaii, West Maui, Hawaii, California, Paradise, Maui County