Attorney General Anne Lopez has wrapped up the probe into the Maui wildfires of August 2023, signaling a shift in focus to prevention and readiness for future incidents. The Department of the Attorney General's investigation sought to analyze state and county responses to the wildfires, yielding actionable insights aimed at bolstering Hawaiʻi's defense against such disasters. As reported by the governor's office, the investigation was made public through a comprehensive database of findings and recommendations spanning regulatory clarity to the engagement of the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) and the appointment of a new state fire marshal.
According to the official release, detailed accounts of the Lahaina Fire response were meticulously analyzed by the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), resulting in a bevy of recommendations now handed over to the State Fire Marshal, Dori Booth, and the HWMO. The creation and passage of H.B. 1064 were also cited as critical steps facilitating this transition, following comprehensive legislative proceedings which passed the bill. The FSRI's collaboration extends to ongoing projects such as the Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover plans with Maui and Kauaʻi Fire Departments, aimed at tailoring county-specific strategies to manage community risks.
Elizabeth Pickett, HWMO's co-director, emphasized the organization's commitment to developing an encompassing wildfire strategy in Hawaiʻi. As Pickett told the governor's office, "Our job now is to support the state in developing a cohesive wildfire strategy that brings together public agencies, private partners, and expertise from our academic and community partners." HWMO's established reputation in wildfire prevention and their extensive experience in coordinating efforts across various agencies were significant factors in their selection for this initiative. Pickett's comments reflect a focus on collaboration and informed action, central to the state's vision of becoming a wildfire-ready and resilient community.
According to the governor's office, Dori Booth, stepping into her role as State Fire Marshal, highlighted the importance of the ten identified wildfire priorities. Booth remarked, "The 10 wildfire priorities identified in the Phase Three report provide a critical foundation, and my role — as well as the work of the full office when it is in place — will both support those efforts and extend beyond them." She further outlined the plans to establish the State Fire Marshal's Office with a focus on modernized codes and standards.
The extensive data collection, including around 850 gigabytes of images, audio, and documents from the FSRI's investigation, is accessible on the Attorney General's Maui Wildfire Investigation page for public review.
