HONOLULU — A $175 million fund for those seriously injured in last year’s Maui wildfires and the families of those who died in the disaster will begin accepting applications for expedited settlements on March 1.
Gov. Josh Green announced the launch of the One Ohana Fund at a news conference on Tuesday.
“This fund is going to help those families who lost a loved one in the devastation of last year’s wildfires,” Green said. “As governor, providing this certain and more timely option was the most direct path possible toward healing and recovery envisioned with our partners.”
Modeled after the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, the One Ohana Fund allows eligible participants to receive substantial settlements without engaging in protracted and expensive litigation. Those who participate waive their ability to receive further compensation through litigation of associated claims.
The first phase of the initiative will include distributions to families of those who died and to those who suffered severe injuries in the fires. Surviving family of those killed in the fires may receive $1.5 million. Settlements for those who suffered traumatic injuries will vary.
Applications can be submitted online at mauicompensationfund.com when the site goes live March 1. Frequently asked questions and additional information will also be available at the site.
Retired state judge Ronald Ibarra will serve as pro bono administrator of the fund. He will meet with surviving family members to answer questions and address concerns.
“I am honored to have this kuleana and consider it to be one of the most important roles I’ve ever served in,” Ibarra said. “While my service to affected families will be partly informed by my decades in the legal profession and serving on the bench, my compassion for people and helping them ease their suffering will take precedence.”
First Hawaiian Bank is providing pro bono services as the financial depositary for the fund as well as office space and administrative assistance for Ibarra and the fund.
Honolulu-based attorney Richard Sakoda, who represents some of the families who plan to apply to the One Ohana Fund, said the fund provides a needed alternative to drawn-out litigation.
“Needs vary among wildfire survivors and some of the families I have spoken to might not be interested in participating in drawn-out litigation that with appeals may take years to resolve, or result in any settlement,” Sakoda said. “Thanks to Gov. Green’s bold leadership and the fund partners, the families I have spoken to will be able to move forward with healing and recovery more quickly.”
Contributors to the fund include: Hawaiian Electric Co. ($75 million); the state of Hawaii ($65 million); Kamehameha Schools ($17.5 million); Maui County ($10 million); Charter/Spectrum ($2.5 million); Hawaiian Telcom ($2.5 million), and West Maui Land Co. ($2.5 million).
The larger One Ohana Initiative also includes the $100 million Maui Relief TANF Program; the updated siren policy by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency; and Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire safety strategy.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Green said he plans to submit additional budget items related to disaster recovery and that all requests will fall within a balanced budget and financial plan for the Legislature to consider.
“We continue to believe that our overall strategy is sound and that through the prudent use of our financial management tools, we will have the capacity to address the additional needs that have been identified,” Green said. “It is the legislature’s responsibility and prerogative to appropriate state funds, and we will continue to work with them to address the many needs in our state.”
Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.