Hawaiʻi's Attorney General Anne Lopez has released the Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report, detailing a convergence of factors behind the wildfire disaster in Maui, as reported by the Office of the Governor. Prepared by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), the report emphasized the interaction of weather, infrastructure, risk perception, and emergency service coordination in contributing to the fire's impact.
AG Lopez underscored the need for state and county governments to reevaluate disaster preparedness, as the Lahaina fire resulted in significant loss, marking it as the deadliest North American fire in a century. “This investigation serves as a wake-up call for the state and county governments to learn from the past and urgently prepare for the future,” said Lopez on the Office of the Governor website. She commended the emergency personnel for their bravery, according to the report’s findings.
The Fire Safety Research Institute's work included systems analysis to understand the multifaceted nature of the event. Dr. Steve Kerber of FSRI noted the importance of translating their 84 findings and 140 recommendations into action. “The wildfire preparedness, prevention and operational measures in place that day faced significant—sometimes unprecedented—challenges as the threat escalated," Kerber stated on the Office of the Governor website. The report highlighted inadequate investment and resources that limited effective wildfire management strategies.
Three critical areas of concern were cited as needing immediate improvement: the perception of risk and preparedness; outdated infrastructure; and incident management and coordination. Lopez identified internal challenges, such as a siloed command structure that plagued Maui County's response efforts. The report's release, along with a sizeable database of relevant materials, seeks to foster a culture of readiness and adaptation in the face of future wildfire risks. Access to the database is being provided free of charge to further public understanding of the disaster and response efforts, AG Lopez confirmed.
Lopez's commitment to transparency and action was clear in her conclusive remarks. “We are not here to place blame. It is clear from the Phase Two analysis that we need to make significant changes at the county and state level and involve a broad range of individuals and organizations, to ensure we are better prepared for future wildfires that are not only possible, but increasingly likely,” she said on the Office of the Governor website, recognizing the importance of multilateral cooperation in achieving safety and sustainability for Hawaiʻi’s future.
