ICC Pulse Podcast Episode 65: Lahaina’s Fire and the Future of Resilient Building in Hawaii
In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we gathered key experts to discuss the Lahaina fire and Hawaii wildfires, emphasizing building safety and codes — how they shaped the disaster, what they reveal about vulnerabilities, what could change going forward, and more.
In early August 2023, Hawaii wildfires destroyed over 2,200 structures, caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damage, and most tragically claimed the lives of over 100 people.
In this episode of the ICC Pulse Podcast, we gathered key experts to discuss the Lahaina fire and Hawaii wildfires, emphasizing building safety and codes — how they shaped the disaster, what they reveal about vulnerabilities, what could change going forward, and more.
Listen to Episode 65 of the ICC Pulse Podcast, Lahaina’s Fire and the Future of Resilient Building in Hawaii, here:
Guests on the show:
- Derek Alkonis, Senior Research Program Manager, Fire Safety Research Institute
- Dori Booth, State Fire Marshal, State of Hawaii
- Ka`āina Hull, Director of Planning, County of Kauai
- Justice Jones, Fire and Disaster Mitigation Program Manager, ICC
- Elizabeth Pickett, Co-Executive Director, Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization
Links to related and/or referenced topics in this episode:
- ICC Fire and Disaster Mitigation webpage
- 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
- Information on FEMA’s post-disaster recovery resources for code officials
- Donate Funds – Maui City Council
- Fire Safety Research Institute
- Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization | Protect Hawaiʻi
Episodes of the ICC Pulse Podcast feature interviews with leading industry experts discussing a wide range of topics including current events and new technologies. Click here to see our entire archive of past episodes.
About the Author
The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions, including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
