A Maui judge has dramatically cut the legal fees sought from the $4.03 billion settlement for the 2023 wildfires that killed 102 people and razed Lahaina. Circuit Judge Peter Cahill capped the fee pool at $222 million, a steep drop from the $1 billion originally demanded by victims’ lawyers.

Judge Cahill’s $222 Million Fee Cap Cuts the $1 Billion Demand

According to the Associated Press, Judge Peter Cahill ruled that the total fee pool would be capped at $222 million , a figure that the lawyers would then divide among themselves. The decision was described by lead lawyer Jesse Creed as a “matter of sacrifice for the community,” noting that the judge was guided by fairness to the residents of Maui.

2023 Wildfires: $4.03 Billion Settlement and Thousands of Claims

The settlement, which totals $4.03 billion, stems from the August 2023 fires that claimed 102 lives and destroyed much of Lahaina . The Associated Press reports that the claims are primarily against Hawaiian Electric, but also target landowners who allowed invasive, highly flammable grasses to grow unchecked.

Fallen Power Line Sparked the Devastating Blaze

Investigations determined that a fallen Hawaiian Electric Co. power line ignited dry grass,leading to the massive blaze. The incident has fueled legal action against the utility company and landowners, contributing to the large settlement pool.

Who Will Receive the Reduced Fee Pool?

While the cap has been set , the exact distribution among the lawyers remains to be decided. The Associated Press notes that the lawyers will split the $222 million,but details on the split are still pending.

Unresolved Questions About the Settlement’s Allocation

Key questions linger: How will the $222 million be diviided among the legal teams? What portion of the $4.03 billion will directly benefit the victims’ families? The Associated Press reports that these details are still under negotiation.