Maui residents affected by the devastating 2023 wildfire are criticizing Hawaii's $150 million recovery fund, claiming it comes with restrictive conditions that impede fair compensation. State Representative Diamond Garcia discusses the ongoing concerns and recovery efforts on 'Fox & Friends Weekend.'
The deadliest wildfire in U.S. history, which claimed the lives of over 102 people on Maui last August, has left a trail of devastation and lingering questions. As victims strive to rebuild their lives, they face an additional hurdle: navigating the complexities of Hawaii's $150 million compensation fund.
Maui Fire Victims Decry 'Strings Attached' to Hawaii's $150M Compensation Fund
Established by the state legislature, the fund aims to provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses impacted by the blaze. However, according to State Representative Diamond Garcia, victims are expressing frustration with the fund's stringent eligibility criteria and lengthy application process.
"We're hearing from constituents that the strings attached to this $150 million fund are making it difficult for them to get the help they need," Garcia said on 'Fox & Friends Weekend.' "There's a lot of red tape and bureaucracy involved."
Maui Fire Victims Decry 'Strings Attached' to Hawaii's $150M Compensation Fund
One significant concern raised by victims is the requirement to provide proof of ownership for all damaged property. In the chaos and devastation of the wildfire, many lost vital documents, making it challenging to substantiate their claims.
"People are having to jump through hoops to prove they owned the things they lost," Garcia explained. "It's adding insult to injury for those who have already suffered so much."
Maui Fire Victims Decry 'Strings Attached' to Hawaii's $150M Compensation Fund
Furthermore, the fund has been criticized for its cap on compensation. Under the current guidelines, individuals are limited to a maximum of $20,000, while businesses can receive up to $500,000. Many victims argue that these amounts fall short of covering the true extent of their losses.
"We have people who lost their homes, their businesses, and everything they owned," Garcia said. "Twenty thousand dollars is simply not enough to rebuild their lives."
Maui Fire Victims Decry 'Strings Attached' to Hawaii's $150M Compensation Fund
In response to these concerns, Garcia and other lawmakers are pushing for amendments to the fund to address the victims' needs. They are urging the state to simplify the application process, relax the proof-of-ownership requirements, and increase the compensation limits.
"We have a responsibility to help these victims rebuild their lives," Garcia said. "They should not have to face additional obstacles or be shortchanged by a fund that was supposed to support them."
Maui Fire Victims Decry 'Strings Attached' to Hawaii's $150M Compensation Fund
As the recovery efforts continue, victims of the Maui wildfire remain hopeful that the state will address their concerns and provide them with the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives. With the support of lawmakers like Garcia, they are determined to overcome the obstacles and chart a path toward a brighter future.
