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House adopts resolution commending U.S. Coast Guard Station Maui for Lahaina wildfire response
Summary
The Hawaii House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 213 commending U.S. Coast Guard Station Maui for its search-and-rescue and recovery work during the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire; the resolution was adopted by voice vote and honorees received certificates.
The Hawaii House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 213 commending U.S. Coast Guard Station Maui for its response to the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Representative Cochrane moved to adopt the resolution; Representative Amato seconded the motion, and the House carried the measure by voice vote.
The resolution recognizes Station Maui personnel for search-and-rescue operations and post-incident recovery work during the wildfires that devastated Lahaina in August 2023. During floor remarks, Representative Cochran described conditions at the time as “perilous,” saying crews faced wind gusts of more than 50 knots, 2- to 3-foot sea swells and heavy smoke. She credited Coast Guard crews with rescuing 17 people from the ocean and assisting in the evacuation of about 40 additional people.
Representative Cochran singled out several service members who were present for the recognition. Among those named were Petty Officer Second Class Kaleo Pio Guth (listed in remarks as “Kaleo Pio Guth”), Machinery Technician Second Class Nathan Anthony, Petty Officer Nicholas Smith, Petty Officer Mason Anthony and Petty Officer George Chihara. Cochran said crews helped recover people from a pier, located additional survivors in a mooring field, coordinated with local fire and ocean rescue units, and assisted in the extraction of more than 90 vessels from Lahaina Harbor and the removal of over 10,000 gallons of petroleum.
“[They] carefully pull their survivors to safety,” Representative Cochran said during the presentation, describing the crews’ actions amid flames and limited visibility.
Representative Cochrane offered the resolution on the floor and asked members to adopt it; Representative Amato seconded the motion. Members recessed briefly after the voice vote so representatives could present certificates and meet the honorees in the gallery.
The text of House Resolution No. 213 was received and recorded in the House journal as adopted; the resolution specifically names U.S. Coast Guard Station Maui and the service members acknowledged during the floor presentation.
