Interim House working groups formed to address Lahaina wildfire relief and recommend legislative action

"Members of the interim working groups will collaborate with subject experts and various agencies, engage in extensive discussions relating to the Lahaina wildfire, and formulate recommendations for the upcoming session, which begins January 17, 2024,” said House Speaker Scott Saiki.
HONOLULU — House Speaker Scott K. Saiki, Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura and Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto on Wednesday announced the establishment of six interim House working groups tasked with the crucial responsibility of evaluating specific topics related to the Lahaina wildfire and making recommendations for appropriate legislative action in the 2024 Legislative Session.
“While we remain in mourning for the tragedy endured by Maui, the House will take action prior to the legislative session to focus on immediate issues that require temporary or transitional relief,” said Speaker Scott K. Saiki.
During the interim, members of the bipartisan working groups are called to collaborate with federal, state and county agencies, along with community stakeholders and interested parties.
Each group is tasked with the responsibility of producing a preliminary report by Nov. 1 and delivering a final report by Dec. 15. These reports will detail ongoing actions and recommendations for potential legislation relating to the Lahaina wildfire.
“We recognize that concerns such as wildfire prevention, shelter, schools, jobs and businesses, environmental remediation, and food, water, and supplies remain top-of-mind for Maui residents,” said House Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura. “We look forward to productive discussions and establishing a framework that reflects the Legislature’s unwavering commitment to supporting Maui.”
“First and foremost, the Legislature needs to do everything in its power to provide relief to the victims in Lahaina and their families. These committees will help to shape legislation for the upcoming session to help those in Maui,” said House Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto. “This tragic event will affect the entire state for years to come. The House Republicans are ready to work together with the community of Lahaina and our legislative colleagues to find a collaborative path forward.”
Chaired by Elle Cochran of Lahaina and Nicole Lowen, the Environmental Remediation working group will evaluate the cleanup of ground and ocean contamination, including the timeframe and techniques utilized.
Led by Greggor Ilagan and Terez Amato, the Food, Water and Other Supplies working group will evaluate the availability and distribution of food and other necessary supplies for displaced individuals and families.
The Jobs and Business working group, co-chaired by Daniel Holt and Andrew Takuya Garrett, will evaluate the Maui unemployment rate and the approaches to restart business activity as well as the impacts to tourism statewide.
Led by Justin H. Woodson and Jenna Takenouchi, the Schools Working Group will evaluate the strategies utilized to accommodate displaced students and staff to return to school.
Chaired by Troy N. Hashimoto and Luke A. Evslin, the Shelter Working Group will evaluate the availability and creation of temporary and transitional shelters for displaced individuals and families.
The Wildfire Prevention Working Group, led by Linda Ichiyama and Darius K. Kila, will identify the causes of wildfires and preventative action that may be taken to reduce the risk of wildfires throughout the state.
All working groups will prepare recommendations for appropriate legislative action. They will expire on Jan. 17, 2024.