WASHINGTON — Hawaii’s Congressional delegation is making sure colleagues in Washington, D.C. don’t forget about either the devastation wrought by last year’s Maui wildfires or the importance of passing President Joe Biden’s domestic supplemental appropriations request.

What You Need To Know

  • On Thursday, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii paid tribute to those lost to the disaster, honored the resilience of those who continue to deal with its aftermath and pressed for passage of the supplemental funding bill, which includes funding for disaster response 
  • Hirono noted that while the federal government has delivered more than a billion dollars for Maui’s recovery, including nearly $450 million in direct payments to survivors, more needs to be done to support recovery and rebuilding efforts
  • The supplemental appropriations bill includes significant funding for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program, which provides disaster survivors flexible, long-term financial assistance to rebuild homes, buildings and communities.
  • Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Jill Tokuda, both D-Hawaii, made similar appeals in speeches earlier this month

On Thursday, Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was the latest to speak before her chamber to pay tribute to those lost to the disaster, honor the resilience of those who continue to deal with its aftermath, and press for passage of the supplemental funding bill, which includes funding for disaster response.

The Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires killed at least 102 people, destroyed more than 2,200 structures and caused an estimated $5.5 billion in damage.

“In the year since, (survivors have) had to navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives — finding housing, getting their keiki back to school, and trying to regain a sense of normalcy amidst confusion and trauma,” Hirono said. “The uncertainty and instability have left many feeling like they are fighting just to survive.” 

Hirono expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support the wildfires elicited but noted that while the federal government has delivered more than a billion dollars for Maui’s recovery, including nearly $450 million in direct payments to survivors, more needs to be done to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“This support has been critical in providing some sense of stability to our communities, but the reality is, Lahaina’s recovery will take time, resources and continuity of effort,” Hirono said. “As is often the case with disasters of this magnitude, much more federal support will be needed in the months and years ahead to ensure Maui’s long-term recovery.”

The supplemental appropriations bill includes significant funding for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program, which provides disaster survivors flexible, long-term financial assistance to rebuild homes, buildings and communities.

Earlier in the week, Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, also took to the Senate floor to mark the upcoming one-year anniversary of the wildfires and to also rally support for the bill.

Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, issued a similar call in her latest “Maui Minute” speech from the Senate floor two weeks ago.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.