The Hawaii lawmakers have taken action to address the shortcomings in the state’s readiness for wildfires after the deadly wildfire in Maui town of Lahaina. The funding includes $10 million for firefighting equipment, $1.4 million to hire staff to protect against fires, $7.4 million to manage vegetation that fuels fires, and $172,000 for a state fire marshal. This new fire marshal would assess fire risk in the state and enforce fire codes, as Hawaii is currently the only state without a state fire marshal. Additionally, $1 million has been allocated to the University of Hawaii to develop a wildfire forecast system using artificial intelligence.
The budget also includes $1 billion to cover costs stemming from the Lahaina disaster, such as emergency housing for displaced residents and rental assistance for those ineligible for FEMA aid. A victims relief fund of $65 million has been established for those who lost family members or suffered severe injury, with contributions from Hawaiian Electric Industries, Kamehameha Schools, and Maui County. House Speaker Scott Saiki emphasized the need to address immediate needs in Maui and prepare for future challenges posed by climate change.
The increase in wildfires in Hawaii is linked to climate change, with drought exacerbating vegetation dryness and increasing the risk of destructive blazes. Lawmakers recognized that Hawaii is now viewed as a wildfire state and emphasized the need to change policies and procedures to mitigate fire risks. The Maui wildfire and subsequent Oahu fire highlight the growing frequency of wildfires in the state, prompting the legislature to allocate funding for firefighting equipment and personnel to better prepare for future incidents.
The state fire marshal position, which was abolished in 1979, will be reinstated with a budget of $172,000 to assess fire risk and enforce fire codes in the state. The wildfire forecast system developed by the University of Hawaii using artificial intelligence aims to improve wildfire prediction and preparedness. With Hawaii facing increased risks of wildfires and other climate-related challenges, lawmakers are prioritizing measures to mitigate losses, prevent future disasters, and enhance the state’s readiness for emergencies.
The cause of the Lahaina wildfire is still under investigation, with a report expected from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives before the one-year anniversary of the blaze. The legislature’s response to the wildfire highlights the importance of proactive measures in addressing climate-related disasters and underscores the need for comprehensive planning and resources to protect communities and ecosystems in Hawaii. By allocating funds for firefighting equipment, personnel, and wildfire forecasting, lawmakers are taking steps to strengthen the state’s resilience in the face of increasing wildfire risks and changing climate patterns.
