Speaker Kevin McCarthy: 5 Photos from Maui, Hawaii

September 7, 2023 – Speaker Kevin McCarthy: 5 Photos from Maui, Hawaii

Last week, Speaker McCarthy joined a bipartisan delegation for insight into how the tragic fire in Lahaina occurred, why it grew out-of-control, and what can be done in the future to prevent this kind of devastation from happening again. For more behind-the-scenes photos, be sure to follow the stories from @SpeakerMcCarthy on Instagram.

1. Above—In the skies above Maui, the delegation surveys the heart-wrenching damage to the Lahaina community. The delegation—a bipartisan group of Republicans and Democrats alike—stood together, a reminder that there is far more that unites us than divides us as Americans.

2. Ruins—Speaker McCarthy witnesses the scope of the devastation: to date, the fires have claimed 115 casualties and destroyed nearly 2,200 structures, making it among the most catastrophic natural events in the history of Hawaii.

3. Thank You—As Congress works to understand the cause of the fire and how to prevent similar tragedies from happening, it is important to remember the Americans on the ground providing aid to those in need and the efforts of those across the nation to working to rebuild.

4. Heroes— On top of local, state, and federal efforts, our men and women in uniform have played a crucial role in rescue and recovery efforts in Lahaina. The U.S. Coast Guard, in particular, has played an essential role in aiding the people of Maui.

5. Hope—On the ground in Lahaina, Speaker McCarthy examines damage to the iconic Banyan Tree, which has stood as the symbolic heart of the Lahaina community for 150 years. Though extensively damaged, its survival now symbolizes the hope and promise of rebirth amidst tragedy and destruction.