NW Kentucky News

WASHINGTON—The Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce convened this week to evaluate federal recovery efforts in Lahaina following the 2023 Maui wildfires, which resulted in 102 fatalities with two individuals still missing. The hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires” brought together federal agencies and local leaders to discuss both challenges and successes in responding to the fires and long-term recovery.

Key points from the hearing included the necessity of building trust with the local community for effective recovery. Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator (Region 9) for FEMA, emphasized incorporating cultural practices into planning and delivering support. “In coordination with our federal partners, FEMA established a cultural protocol task force to focus on three things. First, enhancing our staff’s understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds. Second, raising awareness among affected communities about FEMA’s assistance and procedures, and three, incorporate cultural practices and considerations into the planning, implementation, and delivering of FEMA supported services, operations, and programs for Maui.”

Col. Eric Swenson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highlighted significant challenges related to debris storage without community trust: “Building trust with the local community and finding a suitable location for debris storage were significant challenges. Without trust, residents would be hesitant to sign up to our debris removal program.”

Temporary housing projects have been a priority but also posed unintended consequences for the community. Fenton noted that preexisting housing shortages complicated efforts: “Housing on Maui is challenging to say the least.” Col. Swenson reported successes such as quickly clearing debris and constructing temporary schools: “This last week, the Corps cleared fire debris from the last residential property […] In six months […] finished a temporary school [and] completed all residential debris removal.”

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen pointed out issues with temporary housing solutions provided by FEMA: “Many of these options were impractical for an island community already grappling with a severe housing crisis.”

Despite successful resource provision by federal agencies, uncertainty regarding future recovery resources remains a concern as articulated by Lauren Nahme from Hawaii Community Foundation: “…Uncertainty surrounding current and future resources [...] impacting ongoing mental health [and] wellbeing…”

During member highlights, Subcommittee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) addressed interagency coordination issues while Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) focused on unfinished disaster assistance applications.

Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) questioned Mayor Bissen about Lahaina's long-term recovery goals: “What is the Lahaina that we envision? [...] Where are you on that decision?” Mayor Bissen responded that their mantra has been "community-led and government supported."