HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A recent court ruling could mean more recovery money for Maui wildfire survivors.

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Gov. Josh Green welcomed the decision Friday, saying it limits attorney fees tied to Maui wildfire settlement claims and helps ensure more compensation reaches affected families.

The ruling impacts claims connected to the August 2023 Maui wildfires and is intended to direct a larger share of settlement compensation to those who suffered losses rather than to legal fees.

“Yesterday’s ruling is an important victory for Maui wildfire survivors and families who have endured unimaginable loss,” Green said. “By placing reasonable limits on attorney fees, the court has helped ensure that more settlement funds will go directly to the people and communities who were harmed.”

State officials said the decision aligns with the survivor-focused approach behind the One ʻOhana Fund and the Maui Wildfires Compensation Program, which were created to provide faster financial assistance to families who lost loved ones and individuals who suffered serious physical injuries.

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According to the governor’s office, the compensation program has distributed more than $111.5 million to 79 claimants since it was established.

The One ʻOhana Fund was created following the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires through a partnership involving the state, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaiian Telcom and Spectrum. Together, the partners committed approximately $175 million to support the program.

Officials said the separate $4.037 billion Maui wildfire settlement is intended to resolve thousands of additional claims involving deaths, injuries, property damage and economic losses as recovery efforts continue.

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