Immigrant Communities in Lahaina

Floor Speech

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Ms. TOKUDA. Mr. Speaker, Hawaii has a proud immigrant tradition, with many of us able to trace our roots across the globe.

Few places in Hawaii exemplify our diversity more than Lahaina, where nearly a third of the residents are foreign-born. They came from the Philippines, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and more. They are the backbone of Maui's economy, working in hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and golf courses. They clean homes and are caregivers for ``keiki,'' ``children,'' and ``kupuna,'' ``elders,'' alike.

On a day when fire did not discriminate what it took, Lahaina's immigrant community bore more than its fair share of loss. A quarter of the deceased had ties to the Philippines. Too many lost documents and lifesavings.

Now, immigrants in Lahaina face impossible decisions. They are too scared to seek out the help that they need, and they are afraid to travel or relocate due to their legal status.

They need our help, and we have to meet them where they are through trusted partners so they can focus on healing and rebuilding.

Four generations ago, my family immigrated to Hawaii with the same hopes and dreams many in our Lahaina ``ohana,'' ``family,'' have. We can't forget our roots, and we must meet this moment with the aloha that they would have wanted.

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