[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 16002]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HAWAII COUNTY LEADERS

  (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I have an active volcano with lava flowing 
directly toward a small town called Pahoa, in my district, so I want to 
take this opportunity to highlight two courageous leaders who have been 
at the heart of a very strong, resilient community which faces an 
uncertain future as the Kilauea lava flow continues slowly and steadily 
towards their homes, their businesses, and their community.
  Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and Hawaii County Civil Defense 
Administrator Darryl Oliveira have shown incredible leadership, not 
only in response to this but also in response to Hurricane Iselle and 
Tropical Storm Ana and, now, to the nearly 5 months of managing the 
slowly creeping lava flow threatening Pahoa. All three of these natural 
disasters have been punishing for this community of Puna, whose 
residents continue to unite and show optimism even with this uncertain 
future.
  Billy and Darryl's tireless work and strong leadership have kept 
people safe, informed, and prepared even as Mother Nature, through 
Madame Pele, runs her course.
  Mahalo to Mayor Kenoi and Chief Oliveira. We stand ready as your 
partners to support the community we all serve, and we are grateful for 
your unwavering commitment to them.

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