An inmate who suffered severe injuries during the 2019 riot at the Maui Community, Correctional Center (MCCC), Hawaii, has reached a $60,000 settlement with the state, according to the state Attorney General’s Office.
The settlement highlights the tumultuous aftermath of the riot, which caused significant damage to the facility and resulted in injuries to multiple individuals.
Settlement Sheds Light on Chaos and Damage
The riot, fueled in part by overcrowding at the jail, erupted on March 11, 2019, when 42 inmates refused to return to their cells and initiated destructive behavior, including breaking fire sprinklers and fixtures, as well as starting fires. The chaos led to extensive damage amounting to over $5 million.
Amidst the mayhem, inmate Kevin Lifoifoi endured a vicious assault by another inmate, resulting in multiple fractures to his jaw. Lifoifoi underwent a surgical stabilization procedure and had his jaw wired shut to minimize nerve injury, according to reports from the Attorney General’s Office.
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Inmate’s Legal Triumph: Settlement Reflects Challenges Within Correctional Institutions
In response to the injuries sustained by Lifoifoi, he filed a lawsuit against the state, ultimately resulting in the negotiated settlement of $60,000. The settlement was presented for approval as part of House Bill 2340, alongside various other settlements and court judgments.
Lifoifoi’s legal victory comes as he continues to navigate the criminal justice system. Currently on supervised release, Lifoifoi has a history of prior convictions, including theft, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, and resisting arrest.
The settlement serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced within correctional institutions, particularly in the wake of incidents such as riots.
As authorities grapple with issues of overcrowding and inmate safety, cases like Lifoifoi’s underscore the importance of accountability and redress for those who suffer harm while under state custody.
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