Maui County Council Chairwoman Alice Lee receives the first copy of Mayor Richard Bissen Jr.’s budget Friday. — The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Submitted by Alice L. Lee

Vice Chair – Maui County Council

For the recent one-year anniversary of the Aug. 8 wildfires, many in Maui County gathered in solidarity and reflection at remembrance events.

This time offered a solemn opportunity to honor lost lives and reminisce about places that hold many memories for countless people. It renewed our profound sense of unity as a community.

And as the local government’s policymakers, members of the Maui County Council are working hard on recovery efforts while also trying to do everything we can to prevent future fires–which is a worldwide challenge. As stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “climate change, including increased heat, extended drought and a thirsty atmosphere has been a key driver in increasing the risk and extent of wildfires.”

In this era, the threat of arson poses increased dangers, requiring dedicated responses.

In Maui County, only few arson cases in recent years have been closed or resulted in an arrest. For instance, less than 5% of suspected of arson-caused fires were classified as cleared in 2020.

On Aug. 27, the council adopted by a 9-0 vote Resolution 24-154, “Urging the Administration to Consider Creating an Arson and Fire Hazard Reduction Unit Within the County of Maui.” Across the world and nation, many government agencies have established specialized arson-investigation units, also known as arson squads.

The purpose of establishing an arson squad is to have a team of trained professionals in the disciplines of both fire protection and law enforcement. The squad could be assigned to determine fires’ causes, apprehend and sanction perpetrators and lead fire-prevention work, such as vegetation management.

Resolution 24-154, which I introduced based on my office’s research and preliminary meetings with department personnel, also proposes that the money received from fees and penalties be used in a New Fire Abatement Revolving Fund. As many residents are aware, we have seen recent fire occurrences with suspicious origins in several parts of Maui, including near Pi’ihana Farms and Crater Road. These episodes are tough to deal with after all the community has gone through since Aug. 8, 2023, but they motivate us to remain vigilant and do our part to limit the risk of more fire-related disasters.

I’m grateful for my colleagues’ unanimous support of the arson-squad resolution. This is a multifaceted challenge that will require all council committees to assist extensively.

We look forward to working with Mayor Richard T. Bissen, Jr., Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett, Fire Chief Bradford Ventura, Police Chief John Pelletier and other agencies on not just an arson squad but all elements of fire prevention and mitigation.

We ask for the community’s continue input and support as we move forward in the healing and rebuilding process. County officials from the Office of Recovery are continuing to update residents and held another homeowners’ webinar on Aug. 29 to discuss rebuilding, expedited permitting and assistance programs.

Federal, state and private funding remains an invaluable part of recovery. Indeed, obtaining and making efficient use of grant funds may be more important than ever, as the county faces critical needs that will cost billions of dollars in just the next few years.

To promote discussion on ideas to focus our grant-making efforts, I introduced Resolution 24-155 to study the feasibility of a Department of Grants Management. The council is also in the process of awarding a contract for a West Maui roadway and infrastructure master plan, which is intended to support the Office of Recovery and other agencies involved in rebuilding.

As always, we appreciate your vigilance and your ideas. Please check mauicounty.us/agendas for upcoming opportunity to offer public testimony to me and my council colleagues.

n Alice L. Lee is the chair of the Maui County Council. She holds the County Council seat for the Wailuku-Waihe’e-Waikapū residency area. “Council’s 3 Minutes” is a column to explain the latest news on county legislative and community matters. Go to mauicounty.us for more information.