PHOTOS: Governor Josh Green, M.D., announced the appointment of Dori Booth as Hawaiiโs new State Fire Marshal, reinstating a crucial public safety role that had been vacant for nearly 46 years.
โDori Booth steps into this role at a moment of incredible urgency, and with a mission thatโs nothing short of transformative. We are rebuilding an entire fire safety infrastructure at the state level, and Dori is at the center of it. Sheโll need to navigate the complex division of responsibilities between the counties and the state, set up a new operational structure, and immediately implement top-priority reforms to protect our communities. It may sound like bureaucracy, but the goal is simple: save lives, protect property and keep Hawaii safe,โ said Governor Green.
Boothโs appointment follows recommendations from independent wildfire investigation reports after the 2023 Maui wildfires. The position aims to centralize statewide fire protection and enhance community safety. Booth will implement the ten priorities identified in the Phase II report by the Fire Safety Research Institute. Her focus will be on community safety and resilience against wildfires and other disasters.
โItโs an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for Hawaii. The lessons from the Maui wildfires are still fresh, and our responsibility is clear: We must do everything in our power to prevent future tragedies. That means stronger coordination, smarter planning, and a relentless focus on community safety. And when wildfires or other disasters cannot be prevented, we must be resilient to protect Hawaiiโs most precious resources: its people, history, culture and places of deep significance. Iโm committed to working with community members, county, state and federal partners, as well as our first responders, to build a fire protection system that reflects the strength and resilience of Hawaiiโs people,โ shared Booth.
