The Office of the Governor Josh Green M.D. has reported that Dori Booth has been appointed as Hawaii’s new State Fire Marshal, reinstating a position that has been unfilled for 46 years.
The role was last active in 1979, following its abolition under Act 241 of the 1978 Session Laws of Hawaiʻi.
Booth’s appointment responds directly to independent recommendations made after the 2023 Maui wildfires.
The Governor’s Office explained that restoring the role marks a return to centralized coordination of fire safety across the state.
According to the announcement, the Fire Marshal will now lead implementation of key reforms proposed in the Fire Safety Research Institute’s investigation into the wildfires.
The reinstated position is intended to bridge the current division of responsibilities between Hawaii’s counties and the state government.
Governor Green said the goal is to establish a state-level structure for fire safety, with Booth tasked to oversee its creation and begin urgent reform work.
The Governor said: “Dori Booth steps into this role at a moment of incredible urgency — and with a mission that’s nothing short of transformative.”
He added: “We are rebuilding an entire fire safety infrastructure at the state level, and Dori is at the center of it.”
He continued: “She’ll 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.”
He said: “It may sound like bureaucracy — but the goal is simple: save lives, protect property and keep Hawai‘i safe.”
According to the Governor’s Office, Booth will lead implementation of 10 key action items identified in Phase II of the post-Maui wildfire reports.
Booth said she would focus on prevention, community coordination and resilience.
Booth said: “It’s an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for Hawaiʻi.”
She added: “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.”
She said: “That means stronger coordination, smarter planning, and a relentless focus on community safety.”
She continued: “And when wildfires or other disasters cannot be prevented, we must be resilient — to protect Hawaiʻi’s most precious resources: its people, history, culture and places of deep significance.”
She concluded: “I’m 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 Hawaiʻi’s people.”
Booth’s appointment is supported by over 20 years in fire and public safety roles, as reported by the Governor’s Office.
She previously worked as Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction at the Sedona Fire District and served as Deputy Fire Marshal with the Phoenix Fire Department.
Her responsibilities included hazardous materials oversight, fire prevention policy, and major public safety planning.
The Office also stated that Booth served in the U.S. Army in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, focusing on civil-military operations and infrastructure stability.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Safety Leadership Administration and a Bachelor’s in Sustainable Tourism Development and Management, both from Arizona State University.
In addition, she serves as Chair of the Fire Sprinkler Exam Development Committee with the International Code Council.
The Governor’s Office stated that the 2024 Hawaii Legislature re-established the fire marshal post to implement changes following the third-party investigation of the Maui wildfires.
This investigation was commissioned by the state Department of the Attorney General.
The appointment follows legislative amendments placing the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Law Enforcement.
Department of Law Enforcement Director Mike Lambert said the Department will support Booth’s efforts.
Lambert said: “The Fire Marshal will have a very important role in protecting our communities.”
He added: “The Department of Law Enforcement looks forward to helping Dori be successful and we are honored that we have been entrusted to work with her side by side to keep Hawai‘i among the safest states in the nation.”
The Office of the Governor Josh Green M.D. announced the appointment of Dori Booth as Hawaii’s new State Fire Marshal.
This marks the reactivation of a role that has been vacant since 1979.
The fire marshal office was abolished by law in 1978 and responsibilities were transferred to counties.
Booth’s appointment follows recommendations made after the 2023 Maui wildfires.
The role will lead the implementation of ten action items identified in the Phase II wildfire investigation report.
Booth previously held leadership positions in Arizona fire departments and served in the U.S. Army.
She holds two degrees from Arizona State University.
Booth currently serves on the International Code Council’s Fire Sprinkler Exam Development Committee.
The fire marshal office was reinstated by Hawaii’s 2024 Legislature.
The office now operates under the Department of Law Enforcement.
Department Director Mike Lambert confirmed his support for Booth’s work.
