Dori Booth has officially stepped into the role of Hawaiʻi State Fire Marshal, having been appointed on June 2, 2023. With a strong background in fire safety and emergency management, she is committed to reshaping fire safety infrastructure across the state. Her extensive experience in various roles, including serving as Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction in Sedona, Arizona, positions her uniquely to address Hawaiʻi’s specific challenges in fire management.
Establishing Relationships and Infrastructure
Booth’s first year objectives focus on relationship building and understanding the local culture. She aims to engage with stakeholders, including county fire departments and emergency management agencies, to create effective communication channels. “I’ve explored the capability of county fire and emergency management agencies statewide to address fire risks,” Booth stated. Her daily priorities involve assisting with wildfire response coordination and developing grant applications to improve fire safety programs.
The need for a robust fire safety infrastructure is underscored by the recent tragedies, particularly the catastrophic events on August 8, 2023, in Lahaina. Booth emphasizes her responsibility to ensure that the memories of those lost are honored while striving to enhance community resilience. She is determined to move beyond silos in operations, advocating for a cohesive approach among various organizations involved in fire safety.
Addressing Challenges and Setting Future Goals
In a statement regarding her appointment, Governor Josh Green highlighted the complexities of coordinating responsibilities between state and county entities. “Navigating the division of responsibilities is crucial,” Booth explained. Her strategy includes listening attentively to county representatives and understanding their unique challenges. This approach aims to foster an environment where local voices are valued and represented in state discussions.
Looking ahead to 2026, Booth identifies staffing and budget as critical factors. The current budget permits only her position and seven additional staff members, which she sees as insufficient for addressing the state’s needs. “We need to chart out future staffing and program needs to build a proactive, future-ready team,” she stated. Also, she emphasizes the importance of sustainable funding mechanisms, which are vital for enhancing equipment, training, and statewide programs.
Booth’s insights from her previous roles in both Phoenix and Sedona provide her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges inherent in fire management. She acknowledges that there is often resistance to change, particularly when new ideas originate from government officials. Yet, she believes that integrity, relationship building, and effective communication can ease this transition.
As she embarks on her new role, Dori Booth carries forward lessons learned from her military service, advocating for a community-centric approach to fire safety. Her commitment to adapting successful strategies from across the nation to meet Hawaiʻi’s specific needs reflects a deep understanding of the urgency required in this field. The focus will be on creating a fire-adapted and disaster-resilient Hawaiʻi, where community engagement and collaborative efforts play an essential role in shaping the future of fire safety.
