January 14, 2025 – Honolulu
Hawai‘i Attorney General Anne Lopez has released the third and final phase of the investigation into the state and county response to the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfire. The comprehensive report outlines critical recommendations aimed at improving wildfire preparedness and response across Hawai‘i.

The Lahaina Fire Forward-Looking Report (Phase Three) builds on previous reports, detailing a prioritized list of action items for state and county agencies to enhance wildfire response capabilities. It also provides specific guidance for county fire departments to conduct Community Risk Assessments, Community Risk Reduction plans, and Standards of Cover analyses, alongside recommendations for reviewing fire codes and standards.

“The Phase Three report contains detailed recommendations and plans that state and county leaders can begin implementing today,” said Attorney General Lopez. “These recommendations require collaboration across all levels of government to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.”

Key State Priorities:

1. Action Planning and Accountability: Develop a comprehensive action plan to address findings from the Phase Two report.
2. Office of the State Fire Marshal: Establish and staff the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
3. Wildfire Education: Launch statewide educational programs on wildfire preparedness.
4. Communication Systems: Enhance the resilience of communication systems, including public alert systems.
5. Utilities Risk Reduction: Collaborate with utility companies to improve vegetation management and infrastructure protection.
6. Fire Weather: Improve fire weather forecasting and historical data collection.
7. Evacuation Plans: Standardize evacuation planning for high-risk areas.
8. Codes and Standards: Update fire codes and standards to address wildfire risks.
9. Wildfire Response Preparedness: Improve coordination among emergency responders.
10. Vegetation and Land Management: Establish a framework for responsible land management.

Key County Priorities:

1. Action Planning and Accountability: Assign county agencies to develop localized action plans.
2. Risk Assessment and Investment: Conduct Community Risk Assessments and Community Risk Reduction plans.
3. Wildfire Response Preparedness: Enhance coordination among county emergency responders.
4. Incident Management: Develop a statewide incident management framework.
5. Wildfire Education: Implement education programs on wildfire preparedness.
6. Communications Planning: Ensure interoperable emergency communications.
7. Evacuation: Align with state evacuation planning.
8. Codes and Standards: Collaborate with the state on fire code updates.
9. Utilities Risk Reduction: Work with utilities on vegetation management.
10. Vegetation Management: Coordinate state and county efforts for land management.

The report was developed with input from the independent Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), which conducted a systems analysis of the 2023 wildfire response, resulting in 84 findings and 140 recommendations.

“As highlighted in the Phase Two report, no single factor caused the tragedy,” said FSRI Executive Director Steve Kerber. “This report provides a blueprint for essential improvements in fire safety across Hawai‘i.”

The full report is available on the Department of the Attorney General’s website.