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Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii — On September 2nd, 2023, Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) joined with Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, Representative Jill Naomi Tokuda (HI-02), Representative David Joyce (OH-14), Representative Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), and Governor Josh Green of Hawaii to tour the aftermath of a fire that enveloped the town of Lahaina, Island of Maui, Hawaii on August 8th, 2023. The wildfire that devastated Lahaina destroyed nearly 80% of the city, with an estimated 385 missing persons. Sadly, the fire took the lives of 115 people so far.
“There are no words to describe the destruction at Lahaina. I am deeply touched by the impact of this event and share my condolences with Governor Green, Representative Tokuda, and the people of Hawaii.” Fulcher continued, “I hope that in the coming months, we can shed light on what happened in Lahaina, so this never happens again.”
Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced on September 1, 2023, that he and Members of the CODEL (Congressional Delegation) would visit the Island of Maui to witness the devastation caused by the fire on August 8, 2023. Members, alongside Governor Green, saw firsthand the destruction in Lahaina. After touring the impacted areas, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Members of the CODEL, and Governor Josh Green held a press conference, which can be viewed here:
The recent visit to Hawaii follows a letter sent by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair of the Energy & Commerce Committee, to Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, and the Chief Energy Officer for Hawaii, seeking answers about the potential causes of the fire in Lahaina. Congressman Fulcher is a member of the Energy & Commerce Committee and there are indications that a potential cause of the fire is a downed power line that sparked dry grass near Lahaina.
“I am deeply grateful to the outpouring of Idahoans, and all Americans, in helping the people of Hawaii and the community of Lahaina. These are our human brothers and sisters. My prayers are with the families so devastated by this unspeakable event.” Fulcher concluded.
Background:
On Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, a series of deadly fires broke out on the island of Maui and Lahaina, destroying the entire community. The fire in Lahaina is one of the deadliest in U.S. history, with over 115 fatalities. Efforts are being undertaken to identify nearly 385 individuals still missing.
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