State’s first fire marshal in nearly half a century becomes official, Maui wildfire settlement funds solidified

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green earlier this week signed legislation further codifying the role of Hawai‘iʻs first state fire marshal in nearly half a century and solidified the state’s share of the settlement for claims relating to the destructive and deadly August 2023 Maui wildfires.

The Lahaina Fire killed more than 100 people.

“Today, we are re-envisioning the path forward in the roadmap of wildfire prevention and recovery,” Green said. “We are taking action from both ends of the wildfire spectrum — building a more robust fire prevention framework within the state and enacting historic legislation that will aid in timely access to compensation following disaster.”

In accordance with the Fire Safety Research Institute’s three-phase report — developed to improve fire preparedness and response following the August 2023 Maui wildfires — House Bill 1064 (Act 302) formalizes the institute’s phase three recommendations.

The phase focuses on the forward-looking portion of the investigation and proposes improvements to the Office of the Hawai‘i State Fire Marshal, originally established in 2024.

Act 302 transfers the state fire marshal’s office, which is led by the state fire marshal, to the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement.

The legislation further clarifies the roles, duties and discretionary authority of the office and fire marshal, supporting the state’s efforts to provide coordinated, statewide fire prevention and readiness strategies.

To enhance coordination between the state fire marshal’s office and Hawai‘i State Fire Council, the bill also outlines responsibilities and organizational structure related to matters such as reporting and recommending amendments to state fire code.

It requires the fire chief of each county to investigate and maintain an annual record of fires. These records must be submitted to the state for centralized analysis.

County submissions will assist the state fire marshal to compile biennial statistical reports, including those available to the public and those submitted to the Hawai‘i Legislature.

Green last month appointed Dori Booth as Hawai‘i’s new state fire marshal, reviving a critical public safety position he said has been vacant nearly 46 years.

“This appointment marks a turning point as we redefine the role — empowering the office with clear authority and resources to better protect our state through fire prevention strategies and analysis,” the governor said.

Booth said that during her first month in office she met with many state, county and private stakeholders who deal with fire prevention, readiness and resiliency throughout the islands, calling it “eye-opening and incredibly encouraging.”

“These conversations have been instrumental in shaping my initial assessments and understanding the unique strengths each organization brings to the table,” she said.

House Bill 1064 also establishes the State Fire Marshal Selection Commission and defines its roles and structure. The selection commission will be given the authority to appoint and remove the state fire marshal, evaluate the marshal’s performance and address matters of public interest.

There is $2.2 million appropriated in fiscal year 2026 and an equal amount for fiscal year 2027 to support the establishment and operations of the state fire marshal’s office.

House Bill 1001 (Act 301) establishes the Maui Wildfires Settlement Trust Fund to provide dedicated funding for those affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.

The bill appropriates $807.5 million to support the state’s contribution to the $4 billion settlement of claims, which shall be deposited into a trust fund.

Additional contributions to the state fund include funding from Maui County, Hawaiian Electric, Kamehameha Schools, Charter Communications/Spectrum, Hawaiian Telcom and West Maui Land Co.

Green said the funding will provide timely compensation for survivors’ claims as an alternative to lengthy litigation, ensuring those affected do not have to wait years to rebuild their lives.

Recipients of compensation from the settlement trust fund must agree to release the state and any additional parties that contribute to the fund from all further liability arising from the 2023 wildfires.

“This legislation is a huge win and sets a new precedent for swift settlement of claims for wildfire victims,” the governor said. “It should not take years for people to see compensation or begin rebuilding. This is about healing, restoring trust and helping families recover as quickly as possible in the place they call home.”