Aloha,

I want to begin by honoring the steady strength you continue to show as we move through this process together. Every step you take helps keep this effort moving forward for your ohana and for the wider Maui community. The road has been long and often heavy, and your resilience remains a guiding force for all of us working on your behalf.

The hearing that had previously been set for November 26 has been moved to December 17 due to the court’s scheduling needs. At that hearing we will present the argument that the class action case should now be recognized as complete, that all remaining litigation against HECO should be stayed, and that the defendants should be ordered to fund the trust within thirty days. If the court adopts that position we expect the first portion of funds, nearly one billion dollars, to begin flowing into the trust within that thirty day window with the remainder to follow in stages. Any future distribution schedule will be guided by the trust’s review requirements and the court’s directives, both of which may evolve as administration progresses. The ocean whispers, but no wave can ever be perfectly predicted.

The Trustee has also informed the court that claim determinations will likely begin going out in January. Even if some determinations become ready earlier, no distributions can be made until the trust receives its initial funding. Once the Trustee begins issuing determinations our team will review them and send them to you. We will go over every part with you so that you feel grounded and clear before making any decision about acceptance.

If you have already submitted your materials we appreciate the care you put into that. If you still have documents that have not yet been provided we ask that you send them as soon as you can. Having your information in place strengthens your position and helps ensure that when determinations begin you are able to move toward a desirable outcome without delay.

Please continue to keep an eye out for calls or texts from our office. From time to time we may need to verify a detail or obtain a signature and your prompt response helps us maintain the momentum that serves your claim and the broader community. We will be sending out an invitation in the coming weeks after the hearing takes place for another virtual town hall meeting so we can walk through any developments together and answer questions and listen to what is on your mind.

Your patience and your courage continue to inspire this work. Maui’s resilience is never far from our thoughts and remains the reason we push forward with determination and heart. Thank you for the trust you have placed in us as we pursue justice for you and your ohana.

Mahalo,

Andrew Van Arsdale