Mr. Speaker, in 2 weeks, we will observe the 1-year anniversary of last August's fires on Maui. We will honor the lives of 102 loved ones lost and never stop looking for the 2 still missing. We will remember the neighborhoods, businesses, and, of course, the town of Lahaina that we will always love. Even as we look back, we look ahead. In a few months, the last of the debris will be removed. Already, properties are being rebuilt, and a long-term recovery plan is being developed with extensive community input. As we prepare to leave for the August recess, our work is not done. Disasters continue to strike, and we must deliver supplemental funding to help communities like Maui recover. This is how we best honor their grit and strength, by giving them hope for the long road ahead. I never expected as a freshman Member of Congress that a historic disaster would occur and so drastically reshape my work here. Yet, as our Maui ``family,'' ``ohana'' reflects on the past year and courageously faces the future, my commitment to them remains unwavering, and I continue to be with them every step of the way. ____________________
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Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Ogles). The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Steube). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes…
Establishing a National Heritage Area for Lahaina would go a long way in supporting the community's efforts to preserve and protect this place that is central to our history and culture.
Madam Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Hawaii has 15 seconds remaining. The gentleman from Florida has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining. {time} 1400
I can think of no better place to designate as Hawaii's first National Heritage Area than Lahaina.





