Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently visited Hawaii to support the Investing in America Tour as the Lahaina area recovers from wildfires. The initiative aims to showcase how President Biden’s agenda is positively impacting communities across the nation.

According to a DOT news release, Buttigieg took part in a tour led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the region where he engaged with officials leading efforts to help Lahaina recover. A residential stop offered Buttigieg an opportunity to witness firsthand the damage caused by wildfires to local homes, along with a ferry terminal set for renovation by DOT and an active debris removal site.

"We're trying to either create alternatives or make sure that what you do have here can be more resilient, whether it's an airport, a road or a port," said Buttigieg. "While I can’t get to every project. I’m very glad I was able to get to this one because it is important in a way that is not just meaningful here in Hawaii but on our radar all the way in Washington, D.C. We’re always seeking to support more growth in transit."

The DOT’s Federal Highway Administration and the Hawaii DOT convened with Buttigieg in Maui, as per the news release. Discussions revolved around work on Honoapi‘ilani Highway and bridges and roads that are financially supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure. The rehabilitation road projects will facilitate easier commuting across the area. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor and HDOT Director Ed Sniffen accompanied Buttigieg at a press conference.

The news release also stated that a tour of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was included in Buttigieg’s itinerary. The airport is set to receive $22 million through the Airport Terminal Program, which is backed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.