Five-Person Auto Wreck Settled in Hawaii

December 30, 2008

Lawsuits in the deaths of five people involved in a three-car collision on the Big Island of Hawaii are being settled for more than $1.5 million.

The crash occurred when the driver of a sport utility vehicle hit two other cars Nov. 10, 2006.

The lawsuits claimed the driver, Samuel H. Furtado, was going faster than 100 miles per hour and that he was drunk. Court records show Furtado had two prior convictions for drunken driving.

The settlements will be paid by Furtado’s estate, his insurance company and Kiawe Kitchen through its insurer. The insurance companies are State Farm and First Insurance, respectively.

The suits alleged Kiawe Kitchen continued to serve Furtado alcohol after he was already intoxicated.