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

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

The lawsuits said the driver, Samuel H. Furtado, was going faster than 100 mph 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 claimed Kiawe Kitchen continued to serve Furtado alcohol after he was intoxicated.