Munger, Tolles & Olson Negotiates Historic Maui Wildfire Settlement

Munger, Tolles & Olson represented Hawaiian Electric Industries and Hawaiian Electric Company in securing a historic settlement resolving litigation related to the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires. The settlements cover the fires in Lahaina, Kula and Olinda and are on a global basis without any admission of liability.

The aggregate settlement amount is $4.039 billion, divided among seven defendants. Hawaiian Electric Industries and Hawaiian Electric Company will contribute a total of $1.99 billion, divided between two settlement funds, with payments made in four equal annual installments. The total amount includes $75 million previously contributed for the One ‘Ohana Initiative – a program the state of Hawaii initiated to provide financial support to those who lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries due to the wildfires.

Conditions for the settlements include resolving claims of insurers, state legislation appropriating funds and court approval.

Over 75 MTO lawyers and professionals made meaningful contributions to the successful settlement process. Lead counsel representing Hawaiian Electric include Brad Brian, Henry Weissman, Nicholas Fram and J. Max Rosen.

The settlement garnered media coverage in Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg Law, Business Insider and other publications. (Subscriptions may be required)