Informing the Legislature that on July 5, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1842 HD1 SD1 (ACT 201).

This bill, signed into law by the Governor of Hawaii on July 5, 2024, implements recommendations from a bipartisan working group formed after the 2023 Maui wildfires to strengthen fire prevention measures. It directly affects property owners, occupants, and individuals charged with arson by increasing penalties for fire code violations and modifying criminal charges for arson during high-risk conditions. The law raises the maximum fine for violating state fire protection laws to $2,500 and allows for up to thirty days of imprisonment, while also classifying arson in the fourth degree as a class C felony if committed during a red flag warning period. A red flag warning is defined as a National Weather Service alert indicating dangerous weather conditions that increase fire risk, and the change to felony status applies regardless of the individual's knowledge of the warning. These provisions take effect immediately upon the bill's approval.