The Maui wildfire in August 2023 stands as one of the deadliest in U.S. history, wreaking havoc on the town of Lahaina, located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Sparked by downed power lines and exacerbated by dry conditions and hurricane-force winds, the fire spread rapidly, devastating over 2,200 buildings, inflicting extensive property damage, and claiming at least 115 lives. More than 650 individuals remain missing as recovery efforts progress. Hawaiian Electric, the state's primary utility, has faced intense scrutiny for its failure to shut off power despite warnings about the high fire risk, resulting in multiple lawsuits. This disaster has underscored systemic challenges in disaster preparedness and response, revealing the vulnerabilities of communities in the face of climate change.

As of September 2024, over 450 lawsuits have been filed in connection with the Maui wildfires that devastated Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. These lawsuits target entities including Hawaiian Electric, Maui County, the state of Hawai'i, and several large landowners. Plaintiffs contend that the fires were ignited by downed power lines and fueled by dry vegetation, leading to the destruction of thousands of homes and the tragic loss of 102 lives.

In response to the devastation, a $4 billion settlement has been reached between the defendants and approximately 2,200 plaintiffs, marking one of the largest wildfire-related settlements in history. Hawaiian Electric is set to contribute $1.99 billion of this total. However, the settlement is still pending final court approval, and further discussions with insurance companies are ongoing.