Episode 65: Lahaina's Fire and the Future of Resilient Building in Hawaii

Episode 65: Lahaina's Fire and the Future of Resilient Building in Hawaii

Author: International Code Council: Non-profit, building codes November 3, 2025 Duration: 52:29

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. 

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: 


Tune in each month to ICC Pulse Podcast for a direct line to the conversations shaping our built environment. Produced by the non-profit International Code Council, this series goes beyond the technical text of building codes to explore the people, policies, and innovations driving safety forward. You’ll hear unscripted discussions with engineers, researchers, and policymakers who are on the ground, tackling everything from adapting structures for climate resilience to integrating smart city technologies. Rather than dry regulations, the podcast focuses on the practical impact of these standards on communities and the future of construction. It’s a resource for anyone in government, technology, or the non-profit sector who wants to understand the why behind the rules. Each episode aims to connect the dots between current events, emerging tools, and the code development process, offering a genuine insider’s perspective you won’t find elsewhere. By listening, you gain context on how building safety evolves and how it touches every aspect of modern life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 67

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