Waterman Archie Kalepa and other Lahaina fire survivors are pushing state officials to strengthen penalties against unlicensed contractors who are taking advantage of disaster victims during the rebuild. The state DCCA receives hundreds of similar complaints annually and has enlisted Kalepa as a spokesperson to raise awareness.
- Kalepa paid roughly $200,000 to an unlicensed contractor whose substandard electrical work was later deemed a fire hazard by a licensed inspector.
- The state DCCA warns that the phrase ‘working under someone’s license’ is not legally valid — a contractor either holds their own license or they don’t.
- Prior criminal convictions for felony theft, harassment, and insurance fraud were revealed in records related to the contractor named in Kalepa’s lawsuit.
- Survivors are lobbying for tougher penalties specifically targeting those who pose as licensed contractors during disaster recovery periods.
- Property owners rebuilding after the 2023 fire should verify contractor licenses directly with DCCA before signing any contracts or making payments.
Source: Hawaii News Now
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