Aloha,

This message is for all Maui Fire clients who have completed their release and questionnaire and are now working to submit their remaining supporting documents. I want to thank you for staying with this process even as life on Maui continues to demand strength and focus from every one of you. I know that for many in this group the past two years have been overwhelming, and that gathering documents or completing paperwork can feel like one more burden on top of everything you have already carried. Please know that we understand the weight of that, and we are here to help you through each remaining step.

You can watch this week’s video update at the following link:

In that update I share that the court has moved the hearing originally scheduled for November 26 to December 17. The hearing was moved due to conflicts on the court’s calendar. On December 17 we will ask the court to confirm that the class action case is finished, that all litigation against HECO should be stayed, and that the defendants must have thirty days from that date to begin funding the trust. If the court agrees we expect the first funds close to one billion dollars to arrive within that thirty day window, with additional amounts arriving in stages.

The Trustee has also informed the court that claim determinations will likely begin in January. Even if determinations were ready sooner there would be no funds available to distribute until after that first infusion arrives. When those determinations begin we will review them carefully and send them to clients who have completed their materials. This makes it especially important that you submit supporting documents you have available so that your claim is able to move forward when the review stage begins.

You can complete your outstanding items or upload your documents through your client portal using the link below.

<< Test Portal Link >>

If your link has expired you can regain access by entering the same email or phone number you used previously. You can also reach our office at 808-501-1683 and a member of our team will help you log in, complete your forms, or upload anything you are missing. You are not alone in this. We can walk through each requirement with you and make sure you understand exactly what is still needed.

There will be no weekly update next Friday as many families across the islands and beyond gather in different ways during this time of year. We will resume our regular updates on the first Friday in December, and later in the month we will hold another virtual town hall to talk through any developments after the hearing and to answer your questions directly. Your voice matters at every stage of this process. If you need anything in the meantime, please reach out by phone or through the portal. Our office on the island is currently closed and will reopen on Monday, December 1.

Please take the time now to complete what remains. Doing so protects your claim and ensures that your story and your losses are included when the Trustee begins reviewing cases in January. We know this has been a long and difficult road, and we are deeply grateful for your perseverance. Maui’s strength continues to guide this work, and we are honored to walk beside you as we take these next steps together.

Mahalo,

Andrew Van Arsdale