NW Kentucky News

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) today opened a subcommittee hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires” by emphasizing Congress’s goal to work closely with witnesses and colleagues from the Hawaiian delegation to review the federal government’s disaster recovery efforts and identify issues and strengths to inform future recoveries.

Below are Subcommittee Chairman Sessions’ opening remarks as prepared for delivery.

"Welcome, everyone, to today’s hearing of the House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations & the Federal Workforce."

"I am pleased to be joined by the ranking member for this hearing, the Congresswoman from California, Ms. Porter. I am grateful for your making the trip to assist the Subcommittee in our work."

"I am also grateful for the assistance of Congressman Case, who represents Hawaii’s first congressional district."

"And I want to give special mention to Congresswoman Tokuda – who represents the people of Lahaina – the site of the horrible tragedy that brings us here today."

"Congresswoman Tokuda, we recently passed the one-year anniversary of the fires that took the lives of 102 people and in a blink of an eye destroyed much of a jewel of Hawaiian history and culture."

"On behalf of the House Oversight Committee, I would like to extend our condolences – to all those who lost loved ones, friends, neighbors – in this community you represent."

"And by traveling so far to be here, we want to show the survivors that you certainly are not forgotten."

"A sincere 'thank you' goes to representatives of Maui County government and Mayor's office for welcoming us to Lahaina and assisting us in conducting this hearing."

"And of course, a 'thank you' to our witnesses who are joining us today. We appreciate your taking time to help us understand – as best we can – myriad elements of this recovery – be it governmental operations at federal, state or local level;"

"Or cultural concerns which are a crucial component of Lahaina recovery;"

"And certainly, point-of-view community itself."

"Last night I had opportunity speak at length with Rep. Tokuda – understand various aspects disaster."

"To appreciate acute need housing existed before fire – now has only been made worse."

"To hear all too frequently sons daughters those call Hawaii home cannot afford call it home themselves."

"And get small sense Hawaiian history culture appreciate how these translate into specifics disaster recovery."

"Some elements uniquely Hawaiian."

"Yesterday my staff both Republican Democrat toured area include points sacred Hawaiians: birthing stone Waiola (Why Ola) Church example."

"My colleagues will tour sites ourselves today."

"But some elements common all bones ancestors buried amidst ash destruction."

"I recollect same case aftermath 9/11 remains those lost lives lay within mountain steel glass dust World Trade Towers."

"I understand great care taken respect remains bones those went before."

"I understand care sensitivity Hawaiian concerns general facilitated trust required do job well."

"We have learned much from witnesses colleagues make quick note those joined today: appreciate may want share own individual thoughts experiences concerns."

"This hearing may different others attended no formal period public comment want able share say." 

"We have forms available share thoughts. We will read these speaking colleagues agreed make part official hearing record."

"Your comments important help inform work determine working well areas improvement may be what congressional action may required."

"This Subcommittee's work regarding disaster recovery began last year request colleague held field hearing Ft. Myers Florida into recovery Hurricane Ian."

"As that hearing approached heard awful news about occurred here."

"Our intent both hearings was now is understand specific issues regarding related recovery efforts."

"But also identify areas perhaps should replicated future recoveries."

"Or discover improvement vast array federal agencies seek assist States localities communities often aftermath darkest hour."

"Every disaster different Lahaina Hurricane Ian clearly illustrate point."

"Two seaside communities one destroyed wind water other wind fire."

"Hurricane Ian impacted huge areas Florida millions people whereas Lahaina forces nature concentrated compact area."

"At individual level however results same loss life loss home some cases loss everything."

"A period grief gone anxiety about future hold some cases fear unforgettable storm unforgettable fire might forever change nature communities struck."

"We know no federal agency indeed no human institution address every concern." 

"It said first lesson history don’t learn lessons history."

"But cannot let case here seek help fellow countrymen recover disasters any sort."

"I close this come long way happy do so midst campaign season focus differences hope this hearing show indeed possible parties work together put needs people collectively serve first foremost."

"With that yield distinguished ranking member Congresswoman Porter."