#Fire Prevention
Hawaiʻi wildfire plan in the works in conjunction with expansion of new state fire marshal’s office
These efforts are at the top of the state’s list of 10 priorities for improving wildfire prevention after the deadly and destructive blaze on Maui in 2023.
Senate Public Safety Committee pushes forward public protection bills
“These bills address some of the most urgent challenges we’re facing right now in our state,” said Elefante. “We’ve made real progress by passing key legislation on public health, safety in correctional facilities, funding for law enforcement, cracking down on illegal fireworks, improving fire prevention, and supporting our Department of Defense.”
Executive at Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization receives national recognition
Elizabeth Pickett, the long-time co-executive director of the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) was honored today at a ceremony in New York City, as one of the 2024 Grist 50. Grist bills itself as the only newsroom focused on finding solutions at the intersection of climate and justice.
With 257 acres of dry Mā‘alaea landscape under public control, fire prevention is a key focus
“It’s important because it is connected to a much larger set of lands that go all the way to the summit (of the West Maui Mountains),” said Scott Fretz, the Maui branch manager of DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “Fires often start at those mauka lands and come down in the direction toward the highway. And often they start at the highway and go up this parcel into the mauka lands. So, that connectivity is important.”
State Fire Marshal bill signed into law; Other measures seek to improve fire safety, emergency management in Hawaiʻi
SB 2085 creates the Office of the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to enhance fire safety and prevention across Hawaiʻi. The state fire marshal, appointed for a five-year term, will coordinate statewide fire protection efforts, propose fire code amendments and oversee fire safety training and certification.
Health care facilities gear up for HECO’s ‘last resort’ power shutoff plan that kicks in today
“We never got a generator because we knew way back when if we ever had a major catastrophe of that significance all our physicians would report to the hospital because it’d be that severe,” Maui Medical Group Administrator Cliff Alakai said in explaining why the clinics would have to shut down if they lost power under Hawaiian Electric’s new plan.
Final budget bill includes Maui wildfire legislation establishing an Office of the State Fire Marshal
The House of Representatives officially adjourned sine die, marking the conclusion of the 32nd Legislature on Friday. House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12 Upcountry Maui) said, “We approached the crafting of the state budget with careful consideration, reflecting the House’s dedication to fiscal prudence, accountability, and transparency. As we commenced this legislative session, our immediate […]
