By Thomas Grande, Esq. and Carl Varady, Esq.
Identifying and distributing all payments to the correct heirs of Deceased Class Members is now the focus of the Kalima claims payment process. Probate Special Master Emily Kawashima and Probate Special Counsel Scott Suzuki have completed 20 probation petitions covering the claims of nearly 600 deceased class members. To date, nearly $35 million has been disbursed to the survivors of the deceased class members.
Under the Probate Plan, the court evaluates approximately 30 estates in a single hearing. This process is more efficient than processing each estate separately and costs are divided proportionately between the estates of the deceased class members.
Missing Family Information Forms
The Probate Plan ensures that the correct people receive the correct proportion of the settlement proceeds. This requires Ms. Kawashima and Mr. Suzuki to locate and verify all survivors of the Deceased Class Members. Family members can advance this work by completing Deceased Class Member and Family information Forms (downloadable from the kalima-lawsuit.com website). Families who complete the forms are prioritized in the probate process. If you have information regarding a Deceased Class Member and/or their family members, fill out these forms as completely and accurately as possible.
Probate Hearing
The court’s final review of each petition will be at a Probate Hearing. Hearing notices are posted to the website and published in the newspaper. Heirs are not required to attend the hearing, but the court does appreciate their participation.
Once the hearing is completed, a proposed order will be drafted for the Court to review and approve. This process usually takes two months, but may take longer for complex estates. The order is not final until 30 days after the court signs it, giving parties the opportunity to file an appeal.
At the end of the appeal period, payments will begin to be processed, which may take two months or more. This is necessary to ensure that proper payments are made to each heir and that all amounts due are fully paid to the correct people.
If you believe your relative was a class member, contact the Claims Administrator at 1-808-650-5551 or 1-833-639-1308, by email info@kalima-lawsuit.com or by mail at P.O. Box 135035 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96801.
For more information, the next Attorney Talk Story will take place on July 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Go to kalima-lawsuit.com for the Zoom link.
