Hawaii to Pay $800 Million in Lahaina Wildfires Settlement, Ensuring No Impact on Housing and Education Priorities
According to KHON 2, Governor Josh Green announced that Hawaii will pay around $800 million as part of a settlement for the Lahaina wildfires. This amount is part of a larger $4 billion agreement to help cover the damages and support recovery efforts. Green assured that this payout will not affect other important state priorities like housing and education.
Initially, the settlement could have been much higher, between $7 billion and $12 billion. Governor Green managed to negotiate it down to $4 billion, which helped reduce the financial burden on the state. The $800 million will be paid over several years, making it easier to manage. Additionally, $200 million has already been set aside, and Green plans to use some money from a $900 million lawsuit settlement with the makers of the drug Plavix to help cover the cost.
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$4 Billion Settlement: Hawaii Agrees to $800 Million Payout for Lahaina Wildfires – Governor Green Vows to Prioritize Recovery Efforts (PHOTO: The Press Democrat)
Proposal for Visitor Impact Fee to Support Maui Lahaina Wildfires Recovery and Rebuild Community Infrastructure
To bring in more money, there’s also a proposal for a visitor impact fee, which is still being discussed. Senator Donovan Dela Cruz emphasized that this settlement will speed up the recovery for Maui. The focus will be on rebuilding infrastructure, creating jobs, and supporting the reconstruction of schools and homes, ensuring the funds directly benefit the local community and help them recover faster.
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