Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing on the start of the Maui fires and the potential role of electric infrastructure in the fires.

“Our task today is a difficult one, but also a critical one.

“We are examining the tragic events that unfolded on the Hawaiian island of Maui last month.

“On August 7 and 8, a series of fires broke out on the island, including one that destroyed the town of Lahaina.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the people of Maui as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their communities, mourn the loss of loved ones, and grapple with the painful memories of that terrifying day.

“The pain of seeing your home and your neighbors’ homes destroyed within a matter of hours or even minutes is gut-wrenching.

“At least 97 lives were lost to this disaster, and we continue to pray that God provides strength and comfort to their loved ones. Many are still missing.

“According to an estimate from the University of Hawaii’s Pacific Disaster Center, at least 2,200 buildings were destroyed, with about 86 percent of those buildings being residential.”

THE INVESTIGATION

“We must do everything we can to minimize the chance that such a destructive and deadly disaster will occur again—on Maui or anywhere in our country.

“Unfortunately, if we fail to learn from this event, it very well could.

“The Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization reports that each year, the percentage of total land burned by wildfire in Hawaii is equal to or greater than that of any other state in the nation.

“And, according to wildfires experts from the University of Hawaii, the area burned across all four counties in Hawaii each year has increased by 300 percent within the past several decades. 

“Eastern Washingtonians are no strangers to the disastrous consequences of wildfires, either.

“Last month, the Gray and Oregon Road Fires destroyed hundreds of homes, forced evacuations, and have been linked to two deaths. Hundreds are still recovering from and coping with the destruction of these wildfires.

“While it is difficult to revisit the disaster that occurred on Maui, we must examine any factors that could have caused or worsened the emergency, identify any unnecessary hazards that were allowed to persist, and pinpoint any additional precautions that could have been taken.”

PRIORITIZING A SAFE, MODERN GRID

“I understand debate about the factors behind the cause and spread of the fires continues, but that Hawaiian Electric acknowledged that an early morning fire on August 8 ‘appears to have been caused by power lines that fell in high wind.’

“What happened after that, particularly concerning the second fire that swept through Lahaina that afternoon and destroyed lives and the town remains open to investigation.

“Part of our job here in Congress is to ensure that every American has access to affordable and reliable energy, and that responsibility includes making sure that that energy comes from safe, well-maintained infrastructure.

“There has been a lot of emphasis on some of the competing priorities when it comes to modernizing our electric grid in recent years.

“However, we must make sure that safety remains a top priority.

“A grid that is not prepared for extreme weather or is inadequately maintained is not only unreliable but also an unacceptable safety hazard that could potentially cost billions of dollars and endanger lives.”

PREVENTING AND PREPARING FOR DISASTER

“While we cannot prevent and control for every hazard—such as the high winds that struck Maui leading up to the fire, we must harden our grid to hazards, address wildfire risks such as vegetation overgrowth, and implement appropriate precautions for extreme weather.

“We appreciate all our witnesses traveling across the country to be here with us today.

“You have a difficult road ahead of you in rebuilding after this tragic event.

“I hope that today, we can learn how Congress can be a strong partner for utilities and state agencies in addressing grid safety concerns.

“While there are other investigations ongoing, we hope this hearing provides some clarity on how and why this disaster unfolded in such a catastrophic manner and what steps can be taken to minimize the likelihood of it occurring again.”