OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR -- NEWS RELEASE -- GOV. GREEN ASSESSES LĀHAINĀ DEVASTATION WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN

"We've been through so much together in recent years. Three years of COVID, the volcanic eruptions of 2018 and 2022 which ravaged the Big Island; there are scars in people's lives left by opioids and homelessness, but none of this has been as tragic as this fire in Lāhainā.

Our hearts are broken and we will heal with the assistance of President Biden; and the federal government, and the love and compassion of resources throughout our state, we know we have the support to lift us up as we find those who are lost to deal with the tragedy.

"The people of Lāhainā will need time to heal, to recover and to grieve. Like we've been sharing, and as President Biden said today, Lāhainā belongs to its people and we are committed to rebuilding Lāhainā the way the people of Lāhainā want…this land is for the people of Maui and it is reserved as they return and rebuild,"

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to support our local economy and speed the recovery.

The world is watching, and we will show it the true strength of our culture, our people and all that we believe. And as they watch us heal, protect and nurture one another, the world will be reminded why it loves and embraces Hawai"i and we embrace it."

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