In the wake of the devastating 2023 Lahaina fires, which claimed over 100 lives and destroyed more than 2,200 buildings, Hawaiʻi officials are finally taking concrete steps to address wildfire prevention measures statewide.
As wildfire season approaches, concerns are growing among residents of West Oʻahu regarding the potential ignition of overgrown vegetation by derelict power lines and leaning utility poles along the Farrington Highway corridor.
Community members have expressed doubt about Hawaiian Electric Co.’s maintenance commitments, with Nānākuli Rep. Darius Kila warning that the current state of utilities is reminiscent of conditions that contributed to the tragic events in Maui last year.
This year, optimism is in the air as the state prepares to hire a new state fire marshal, a position seen as crucial in spearheading comprehensive wildfire mitigation efforts across Hawaiʻi.
In response to the calamity in Lahaina, legislators formulated a robust list of recommendations, but many initiatives faltered in the 2024 session due to insufficient preparation and understanding of the complex nature of wildfire management.
Elizabeth Pickett, co-Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, noted that while numerous bills addressing wildfire issues emerged, there was a lack of readiness to effectively meet the state’s needs.
However, progress has been made this year as House Bill 1064, which aims to revitalize the Office of the State Fire Marshal, has passed, particularly addressing shortcomings identified by the Attorney General’s Office in post-fire reports released in January.
With strong bipartisan support, the state plans to allocate approximately $4 million over the next two years to support the fire marshal’s office, which will include a marshal, a deputy, three fire investigators, two fire inspectors, and an office assistant.
The state fire marshal’s office, which will function under the Department of Law Enforcement, is tasked with a multitude of responsibilities, including overseeing fire code inspections on state-owned properties and implementing priorities outlined in the Attorney General’s reports regarding the Lahaina fires.
Derek Alkonis of the Fire Safety Research Institute emphasized the necessity of establishing a unified approach to fire safety, which is currently lacking across various state departments.
In tandem with reviving the state fire marshal’s office, funding has been directed towards the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to enhance wildfire prevention strategies.
This division has recently been allocated more than $20 million, enabling the purchase of essential equipment such as brush trucks and bulldozers to create fire breaks, as well as to update outdated radio communication systems.
State fire protection forester Michael Walker emphasized the importance of managing fire-prone vegetation and constructing fuel breaks in critical areas, particularly on Maui, where lands have recently been reclaimed from ranching operations.
Additionally, funding is being made available for a community fire prevention program aimed at preparing neighborhoods to better combat wildfire risks — a movement that has gained momentum since the Lahaina fire.
Previously, only five communities were enrolled in the Firewise Communities accreditation program, but now there are 31 fully enrolled, with more communities expressing interest in achieving similar status.
This program not only enhances community preparedness for wildfires but can also lead to lower insurance rates for participants.
The newly established “green fee” passed in the recently concluded legislative session is expected to provide further financial resources to support wildfire risk reduction initiatives, bolstering state-level efforts.
While these initial steps are promising, many experts agree that the funding and measures implemented so far only scratch the surface of what is necessary for adequate wildfire prevention in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi’s wildfire efforts have faced challenges, particularly with recent freezes imposed by the U.S. Forest Service, which have hindered funding for prevention work and created uncertainty about the future of federal grant programs.
Despite these obstacles, Elizabeth Pickett of the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization highlighted a notable increase in community awareness and drive to participate in wildfire prevention efforts.
However, she stressed that sustained and sufficient funding will be essential for these initiatives to succeed long-term, remarking that organizations had previously struggled with financing.
“Finally, with these new bills, they can actually do the work necessary to protect our communities,” she stated.
Kazuo Todd, chairman of the State Fire Council and the Big Island’s fire chief, noted that while progress may appear slow, he remains optimistic about the steps being taken toward better wildfire management and safety across the state.
As Hawaiʻi gears up for a new wildfire season, leaders hope that these combined efforts will ultimately lead to stronger protection measures and minimize the risks of tragedies like those witnessed in Lahaina.
image source from：https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/05/after-fumbling-fire-priorities-last-year-hawai%CA%BBi-lawmakers-make-amends/
