With the balance of power in Washington shifting into the hands of Republicans and incoming President Donald Trump, Hawai‘i Democratic US Sen. Brian Schatz appealed to Senate colleagues to prioritize passage of a disaster aid funding for long-term relief of Maui wildfire survivors.
Schatz said Lahaina residents have a long road to recovery since last year’s tragic fires and the range of outstanding needs, including rebuilding homes, small businesses, schools and other critical infrastructure. To help survivors recover in the months ahead, Schatz stressed the need to pass flexible, long-term assistance in the form of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief funding.
“While a strong federal response to the fires has helped complete the cleanup process ahead of schedule, much more help – and a different kind of help – will be needed in this next phase of recovery,” Schatz said. “As cleanup gives way to rebuilding, survivors will need …