Press Release Published: Aug 21, 2024

Sessions Announces Field Hearing in Hawaii on Federal Response to Maui Wildfires

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) today announced a hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires” to examine the ongoing federal response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii that occurred in August 2023.

“The wildfires in Maui coincided with the Subcommittee’s hearing in Ft. Myers, FL, to review the federal government’s recovery efforts to Hurricane Ian. We just passed the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in Maui. This hearing provides an opportunity to determine whether lessons learned in Florida have been implemented or whether congressional action may be necessary. It is also an opportunity to review additional aspects of the recovery process that the specific circumstances and characteristics of Maui will highlight. I am holding this hearing in close conjunction with my colleagues from the Hawaiian delegation, and together we intend to ensure the people of Hawaii receive the necessary support from federal agencies,” said Subcommittee Chairman Sessions.

WHAT: Hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires”

DATE: September 4, 2024

TIME: 10:00 AM HST

LOCATION: Lahaina Civic Center, Social Hall, 1840 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761

WITNESS:

Panel I:

• Mr. Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator (Region 9), Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Col. Eric Swenson, Commander, St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• Mr. Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, Small Business Administration

• Ms. Cheree Peterson, Deputy Regional Administrator (Region 9), Environmental Protection Agency

Panel II: State/Local Witnesses

• Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Governor’s Office

• Mr. Richard Bissen, Mayor, Maui County

• Ms. Lauren Nahme, Hawaii Community Foundation, SVP of the Maui Recovery Office

• Mr. Sne Patel, LahainaTown Action Committee

• Mr. Ke’eaumoku Kapu, President & CEO, Na Aikane O Maui

READ MORE: Comer, Sessions, Oversight Republicans Launch Probe into Biden Administration’s Response Following Devastating Maui Wildfire

The hearing will be open for viewing to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://oversight.house.gov/. Please note this hearing is intended for lawmakers to hear from invited witnesses and it is not a public forum.

Media wishing to attend the hearing should RSVP here.

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Hosts Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha

April 5th Event Supports Lahaina Small Businesses & Artisans Impacted by 2023 Wildfires

MAUI, HAWAII – On Friday, April 5, 2024, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa will host “Kokua for Maui,” an event where Maui residents and visitors can shop and show their aloha for local artisans and Lahaina small businesses who were impacted by the August 2023 wildfires. In partnership with the County of Maui, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, and LahainaTown Action Committee, the event will be held at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Maui Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The ‘ohana at Sheraton Maui is committed to incorporating programming that gives travelers the opportunity to give back to our community, who is still grieving and has lost so much,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “We are honored to host the Kokua for Maui event at our resort, where we can provide a venue for Lahaina businesses to continue to connect with locals and visitors to Maui, and support the Maui economy.”

Kokua for Maui will feature Lahaina small businesses including Maui Pineapple Store, Lahaina Music, Maui Toy Works, Kama Lei Design, Hangloose Hammocks Hawaii, Starfishaloha, Story of Hawaii Museum Exhibit and Gallery, Moonbow Tropics, Hale Zen, Lahaina Honey, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate, Olivia by the Sea, Gallery Kaipua, Maui Community Sailing Foundation, Let’s Go, Kiddo!, Manakai Swimwear, MauiGrown 808, Makana Hawaii, West Maui Sports and Fishing Supply, Khloella’s Garden, Kohola Brewery and more.

Musical guests, sponsored by Kanuihele, include Kaleo Phillips, Logan Kalawai‘a, Gabe Goebbert, as well as Marvin Tevaga, a Lahaina resident and dedicated member of the Maui Police Department, who lost his home in the fires and continues to inspire his community with his music. He recently released a new song, “Take Me Home (Lahaina),” written with his neighbor Damon Williams.

“We wanted to write a song that spoke to the people of Lahaina – those that live here, who are from Lahaina and moved away, and people who love Lahaina altogether. Take Me Home (Lahaina) inspires people to remember what Lahaina was to them, to support one another. There is still hope and kokua for us,” said Tevaga.

Valet parking is available for $5 for all event attendees, payable at Sheraton Maui’s front desk.

For more information, visit https://www.mauinuifirst.com/kokua

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Workforce Development Office, American Job Center, and the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) will be hosting on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. a Lahaina Career Fair and Pop-Up Makeke.  Join us for an event that brings together the best of both worlds — Lahaina Employers and Small Business Vendors.

Approximately, 40 employers and 10 small businesses attendees will be allowed, so please sign up early. Each organization will receive a 6 ft. table and two chairs to be hosted at Lahaina Civic Center.

This collaborative event will host a combination of Lahaina Employers, Small Business, and Resource providers.  Space is limited as we will balance the combination of participants to attend, first-come, first-serve.  Our aim is to serve as many employers that provide job opportunities that hire on-the-spot to help job seekers.

To register for a table, please complete this form by Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.  Space is limited, first come, first serve basis.  You will receive an email to be officially confirmed.  Registration may end earlier due to space limitations.

The American Job Center and Maui County Virtual Job Fair (MCVJF) staff will email you to confirm receipt of your registration.  If you have any questions please call (808) 270-5777 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for more information.  Additional logistical details about the Maui County Career & Resource Fair event will be provided to you in a separate email the week prior to the event.

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
October 27, 2023

Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha: A Collective Effort to Support Maui

In the spirit of aloha and unity, Hawaii’s four mayors have jointly launched November as “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha” Month. This collaborative effort, led by the County of Maui in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi, City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaiʻi, County of Kauaʻi, and various community partners; aims to provide essential support for Maui’s people and businesses as they continue to recover from the devastating August wildfires.

County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen shared, “Maui’s people and businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience during these trying times, and ‘Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha’ is dedicated to bolstering their efforts while revitalizing the island’s economy.”

This initiative will feature a series of events and activities throughout November, including the following, with more events to be announced shortly:

10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui Festival (Nov. 3-4): Presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce and supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, this festival celebrates locally made products, stimulating the island’s economy.

22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention (Nov. 14-17): The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) made a conscious decision to move their convention to Maui; an event that features discussions on culture, economic development, education, with a focus on Maui’s history and future.

Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 18): In partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, this gourmet event at Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi and Wailea Beach Resort will contribute to Maui’s recovery.

Kokua for Maui at the Hilo Farmers Market (Nov. 18): Maui small businesses will be hosted by the County of Hawaiʻi and the Hilo Farmers Market, offering a touch of Maui on Hawaiʻi Island.

Kokua for Maui at the Neal Blaisdell Center (Nov. 19): This collaborative event with the City and County of Honolulu and community partners features Maui-based vendors and their products.

Kokua for Maui in Waikiki (Nov. 20-21): Bringing Maui’s entrepreneurs to showcase their products, art, and more; allowing visitors to support and show aloha for Maui and its businesses.

The MauiNuiFirst.com website also includes a directory of local businesses you can support.

Hawai‘i State Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke underscored the importance of supporting local businesses and families, saying, “November is typically the month for giving, and we all know someone affected by the Maui wildfires. Our islands might be separated by ocean, but we’re one island state. When one island hurts, we all feel it. We keep hearing from people, how we can help? One way to make a real difference for small businesses and local families is to keep supporting local.”

For more information and updates on “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha,” please visit MauiNuiFirst.com.

About MauiNuiFirst.com: MauiNuiFirst.com is an online directory created by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development to celebrate and support the diverse businesses, products, services, and activities that make “Maui Nui” no ka oi. Serving as a vital resource for both businesses and consumers alike, it plays a pivotal role in nurturing a strong, interconnected community.

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The LahainaTown Action Committee (LAC)  collaborated with local government officials to organize a crucial meeting for our valued members and businesses most affected by the Lahaina Wildfire. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Senator Lynn DeCoite and her office for their invaluable support in coordinating a panel designed to specifically address the questions presented by our members.

To access the meeting recording, please follow the link below or reach out to president@visitlahaina.com if you need assistance accessing the video. Furthermore, we are fully committed to producing a comprehensive document that compiles the questions submitted by LAC members alongside the responses from government officials. This document will be promptly shared with our dedicated LahainaTown Action Committee members and made available on our website for the benefit of the wider community.

In these intricate and sensitive times for Lahaina, we recognize the paramount importance of transparency and inclusivity. While our primary focus was addressing the immediate needs of our members, it is clear that the entire West Maui Community is seeking answers and solutions. We sincerely hope that by sharing this meeting video with the public, we can inspire other groups to seek the same level of attention and responsiveness for their unique needs.