026: Day 3: TALK STORY: State-Level Perspectives: Future-Proofing Recovery Senator Angus McKelvey and Senator Troy Hashimoto

How to Disaster

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Episode Description:

This recovery is slow, it's painful, and it's costly. We need patience, and aloha, and support because we're all in this together.” —Angus McKelvey

“We have a lot of challenges moving forward, and it's figuring out the strategy of how we're going to approach it. And once you get that strategy, you have to figure out how do we get it to implementation.” —Troy Hashimoto

Disaster recovery is not just about the visible on-the-ground efforts - it also involves complex state-level decisions and coordination that can make or break a community's rebuilding journey. Senators and state legislators play a crucial role in securing funding, navigating bureaucracy, and setting the stage for long-term resilience. Yet, their perspectives are often overlooked in the midst of the chaos.

In this discussion, Sonoma County Supervisor Elect Rebecca Hermosillo interviews Hawaii District 5 Senate Senator Troy Hashimoto and Hawaii District 6 State Senator Angus Mckelvey to unpack the unseen challenges and strategic considerations they've faced in supporting the Lahaina community after the devastating wildfires.

From grappling with budget constraints and insurance crises to spearheading temporary housing solutions and advocating for permanent rebuilding, these elected officials offer a unique insider's view on the state's role in disaster recovery. Tune in to hear their insights and learn how state-level leadership can make a lasting impact on communities in crisis.

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Highlights:

• 03:01 Challenges in the Aftermath of the Fires
• 14:12 State and County Collaboration
• 17:47 Lesson Learned for Future Plans
• 21:10 Keep Moving Forward
• 26:32 Working with the Community

Meet the Moderator:

👩🏻‍💼 Rebecca Hermosillo, Supervisor Elect, County of Sonoma

Rebecca Hermosillo is the First District Supervisor Elect for Sonoma County. With over 11 years of experience in public service, she has been instrumental in community engagement and policy implementation. Rebecca’s dedication to her community is evident through her active involvement in local organizations, including the boards of Pepperwood Preserve and Speedway Children’s Charities. Her journey from the daughter of Mexican immigrants to a prominent public servant highlights her commitment to improving the lives of those in her community

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-hermosillo-2a2651157/

Meet the Panel:

👨🏻‍💼Troy Hashimoto, Hawaii State Senator - District 5

Troy Hashimoto is a State Senator representing Central Maui, the neighboring district to Lahaina which was devastated by the recent wildfires. Prior to becoming a State Senator, Hashimoto served as the Chair of the Housing Committee in the Hawaii House of Representatives.

In his current role, Hashimoto has been deeply involved in the legislative response and recovery efforts for the Lahaina community. He has also worked to secure state funding for infrastructure rebuilding, temporary housing solutions, and long-term housing strategies in the burn zone.

Drawing on his previous experience in housing policy, Hashimoto has emphasized the critical importance of addressing the housing crisis exacerbated by the fires, in order to support the repopulation and rebuilding of Lahaina. He has worked closely with the Maui County government to coordinate the state's recovery efforts and ensure they align with the community's needs and long-term vision.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-hashimoto-b398523/

👨🏻‍💼Angus McKelvey, Hawaii State Senator - District 6

Angus McKelvey is a State Senator in Hawaii who represents the Lahaina community, which was devastated by the recent wildfires. As a first-term senator, he has been deeply involved in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of his constituents. Senator McKelvey was personally affected by the fires and has been working closely with the local community and government officials to address the immediate needs and long-term challenges facing Lahaina. He has emphasized the importance of sustained support and patience from the state legislature as the community navigates the slow and costly recovery process. With his firsthand experience and commitment to his district, Senator McKelvey is playing a key role in guiding the state's response and ensuring the Lahaina community is not forgotten.