Aloha Always Wins

Floor Speech

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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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