John,
Over the past few days, Maui has been ravaged by fast-moving wildfires. The destruction has forced thousands to evacuate and cost at least 55 lives.
The damage has been particularly extreme in Lahaina, which was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
The town is a cultural landmark, but it has been almost entirely burnt to the ground. The enormous banyan tree, which was planted in 1873, is one of the last things standing.
My heart breaks for these communities as Hawaii holds a special place in my heart. My family moved there when I was a teenager, and we lived in poverty while my mom remained behind in Thailand.
My dad, brother and I barely scraped by, and I would spend hours selling flowers on the side of the road just to help make ends meet. The people of Hawaii helped us survive.
I’m grateful that President Biden declared a state of emergency to direct federal resources into the efforts on Maui and the Big Island, and I know the people of Hawaii can rebuild even stronger. But they are going to need our help.
Thank you,
Tammy
Paid For By Tammy For Illinois
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