Maui Fires Litigation
Case Overview
Keller Rohrback L.L.P., in partnership with Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher in Hawai‘i and Stoll Berne in Oregon, is advocating on behalf of individuals and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires.
On August 8, 2023, devastating wildfires swept across multiple regions of Maui, with the historic town of Lahaina suffering the most catastrophic damage. Driven by drought conditions, hurricane-force winds, and highly flammable vegetation, the fires spread rapidly — destroying over 2,200 structures, displacing thousands, and claiming more than 100 lives. The Lahaina wildfire is now recognized as the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
Thousands of lawsuits related to the Maui wildfires were filed. Investigations and litigation have identified the Hawai‘ian Electric Company (HECO) and its subsidiary, Maui Electric Company (MECO), as potentially responsible for igniting the fires. Key allegations include:
• Failure to de-energize power lines despite red flag warnings and high winds;
• Poor maintenance and inspection of electrical infrastructure; and
• Delayed or insufficient vegetation management near energized equipment.
The lawsuits were coordinated in the Second Circuit Court under Special Proceeding Number 2CSP-23-0000057 before the Hon. Peter T. Cahill. Extensive pre-trial litigation and discovery was conducted.
In that consolidated litigation Keller Rohrback serves on the Plaintiffs Steering Committee and assisted with organizing liability witnesses for all individual plaintiffs.
In August 2024, the parties reached a tentative $4.037 billion global settlement to resolve all lawsuits arising from the 2023 Maui wildfires. This comprehensive agreement—finalized after overcoming several significant legal challenges—provides compensation for individuals and entities who suffered property and/or business losses, as well as personal injury or the wrongful death of a loved one. Contributions toward the settlement fund come from multiple sources, including HECO, West Maui landowners, telecommunications companies, and the State of Hawai‘i.
Judge Cahill has approved the Individual Settlement Plan and the claims administrations process is in progress. Information about the claims process is provided by the claims administrator here.
Helpful Resources
Maui Wildfire Investigation Resource Page
Keller Rohrback L.L.P. Wildfire Recovery Guide
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