Relating To A State Fire Marshal's Office.
If enacted, SB3098 will amend existing state laws to create the Office of the State Fire Marshal under the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. This office will consist of the State Fire Marshal and one additional support staff. The State Fire Marshal will be responsible for assessing fire risks, advising on fire safety codes, coordinating emergency fire response resources, and developing public fire safety messaging. This bill reflects Hawaii's unique position as the only state without such an office, and it aims to align Hawaii's fire safety approach with best practices seen in other states.
Senate Bill 3098 proposes the reestablishment of a State Fire Marshal's Office in Hawaii, which has not had a dedicated state fire marshal since the office was repealed in 1978. The bill aims to enhance fire prevention and response strategies particularly in light of the devastating wildfires that occurred in August 2023, which highlighted the absence of a centralized system to coordinate fire safety efforts statewide. The establishment of a new state fire marshal is seen as a critical need to oversee fire risk assessment and improve the overall fire safety infrastructure in Hawaii.
The bill has sparked discussions regarding the allocation of funding and the appropriate framework for effectively implementing the functions of the State Fire Marshal. It includes an appropriation of $340,000 for fiscal year 2024-2025, intended for staff salaries and operational costs related to the new office. While supporters advocate for this measure as necessary for public safety and effective wildfire management, some members of the community express concerns about state overreach in local fire management matters and the effectiveness of a centralized approach to a multifaceted challenge like fire safety.