[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 19 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ALOHA ALWAYS WINS

  (Ms. TOKUDA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. TOKUDA. Mr. Speaker, last week I joined thousands of people, 
``kama'aina'' ``locals'' and ``malihini'' ``guests'' alike in walking 
from ``mauka'' ``inland'' to ``makai'' ``the ocean'' in Lahaina in a 
celebration of unity and healing.
  We lost so much in the fires--loved ones, homes, and businesses. The 
Lele Aloha Ho'ulu Lahaina Unity March reminded us that despite all we 
lost, we still have each other.
  Under a sea of flags representing the countries of both victims and 
survivors, we walked for everything we lost. With each step we took, we 
came closer together with shared hopes for Lahaina's future. That day, 
we walked 4\1/2\ miles, but the road to recovery stretches much longer, 
and we will keep walking together no matter how long it takes.
  As ``pule'' ``prayers'' were spoken and ``ho'okupu'' ``offerings'' 
offered by visiting canoes, we stood and walked side by side, equals in 
the pride we feel and hope we have for Lahaina.
  Next week marks the 6-month anniversary of the Maui fires. While it 
will be a solemn occasion, the miles that we have walked together 
remind us that though we have been tested, aloha will always win.

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