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U.S. Senator Brian Schatz recently visited Lahaina and West Maui to assess the damage caused by the devastating fire that occurred. He described the town of Lahaina as being flattened and the smell of toxicity and smoldering remains being present in the area. The scope of the devastation was evident.

In terms of relief efforts, federal funding is crucial for the recovery process. Schatz and the delegation are actively working to ensure that the necessary resources are available. Individuals affected by the fire are eligible for various forms of assistance, including cash aid, zero-interest loans, and other programs. The senator acknowledges that accessing these resources can be confusing, which is why they have created a comprehensive website to provide clear information. They also understand that not everyone has internet access at the moment.

Schatz addresses the issue of misinformation on social media regarding the available programs. He emphasizes that people should take advantage of any help they can get without worrying about duplication of benefits. He also urges caution regarding scams and encourages people to rely on legitimate sources such as FEMA and HiEMA for accurate information.

The fire not only affected individuals, but it also caused significant damage to infrastructure. Rebuilding efforts will require substantial funding, and the delegation aims to secure as much federal assistance as possible. They recognize the need to rebuild in a more resilient manner, particularly when it comes to power line infrastructure. Schatz suggests undergrounding power lines in West Maui as a precautionary measure.

Looking ahead, the delegation intends to play a coordinating role between state, federal, and county entities. They plan to keep the recovery efforts at the forefront of Congress’s agenda and work towards securing emergency supplemental appropriations to aid in Maui’s restoration.

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