A judge in Hawaii has ordered the attorney general’s office to turn over all documents, interviews, and data collected by an outside team hired to investigate the Maui wildfires that occurred last summer. Attorneys representing plaintiffs involved in the lawsuits filed a motion to compel the state to provide this material, which was initially refused by the state citing concerns that it could hinder the investigation. The state called the request premature, baseless, and frivolous, and also asked for attorneys fees to be paid for defending against the motion.
Following the devastating wildfires that killed 101 people in Lahaina, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez hired outside investigators to look into the disaster. A report on the first phase of the investigation was released last month, revealing a breakdown in communication and lack of emergency alerts for residents. The report did not draw conclusions about the actions taken by officials. During a court hearing on Maui, the state expressed concerns that releasing information could lead to potential changes in witness testimonies, prompting the judge to question the necessity for such secrecy.
The state’s concerns about delaying litigation by not providing the requested information were acknowledged by the judge, who emphasized the importance of allowing people to have their day in court. Despite the concerns raised by the state about protecting the integrity of the investigation, the judge stressed the need to address the past events that led to the tragedy in Lahaina. The attorney general’s office stated that premature release of the materials could influence the analysis, while the judge highlighted the importance of the litigation process as a truth-seeking mechanism to determine any legal breaches of duty.
With nearly 400 lawsuits involving thousands of plaintiffs, the judge expressed frustration about the delays in the litigation process. While the state defended its stance in protecting the integrity of the investigation for the benefit of Lahaina residents, the judge emphasized the need to address the past events that led to the tragedy. Concerns were raised about the investigative process being tainted by failing to inform individuals of their rights during interviews. The judge suggested that litigation would determine whether any legal breaches of duty had occurred.
During a hearing to discuss the coordination of the lawsuits, it was revealed that a few cases are scheduled to go to trial in November. The judge highlighted the importance of the investigation but also stressed the need for people to have their day in court. The state’s concerns about protecting the integrity of the investigation were noted, but the judge reiterated the importance of addressing the past events that led to the tragedy. The attorney general’s office is reviewing options and will decide on an appropriate course of action in response to the judge’s order to turn over the investigation materials to the attorneys involved in the lawsuits.
