HONOLULU (KHON2) -- In the wake of the deadliest fire in the U.S. in over a century, officials took steps to prevent future disasters in Maui. Gina Mangieri reported from Lahainaluna Road, where the fire originated. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Residents were eager to learn what improvements had been made to enhance community safety. The focus was on the electric system; utility poles were replaced and reinforced to better withstand future incidents. Maui Fire Chief Ventura emphasized the importance of underground utilities but acknowledged the costs involved. “We've been proponents for underground utilities for years, but it's expensive, and that cost will be passed on to homeowners,” he said. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) expressed regret over its operations contributing to the fire and implemented changes to its protocols, including a power safety shutoff program and measures to prevent automatic re-energization of power lines. Another key concern highlighted in investigations was the issue of unmaintained brush. County codes required vegetation to be no more than 18 inches high within 30 feet of a home. Community members, like Shane Treu, who recorded the initial spark of the fire, noted that the area had previously been overgrown, exacerbating the fire risk. One fire by re-energization caused Lahaina fire: ATF report Kamehameha Schools, the landowner in the area, improved vegetation management and established larger fire breaks. Mangieri reached out to Kamehameha Schools to learn more about ongoing efforts. "We recognize that we can do better. Steadfast in our commitment to be responsible land stewards, we are using all sources of information and guidance to improve our efforts to manage our lands," said Kamehameha Schools. However, some residents, including Treu, raised concerns about access to emergency escape routes, noting that locked gates could hinder evacuation efforts. "I was told to get myself cutters," Treu said, highlighting the urgency of the situation. In response, Chief Ventura announced plans for inspectors to assess vegetation management across Maui County before the fire season. “We plan to identify high-risk areas and notify landowners if vegetation needs to be managed,” he added. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stated that the fire was deemed accidental but refrained from commenting on potential liabilities or criminal implications. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Mangieri will continue to investigate these concerns, including the use of emergency evacuation routes.