Maui Legislators Mourn Loss of Lānaʻi Plane Crash Victims

Representative Mele Carroll and State Senator J Kalani English. Photo courtesy state legislature.

By Wendy Osher

Two Maui legislators issued statements today in light of Wednesday’s fatal plane crash near the Lānaʻi Airport.

Senator J. Kalani English who represents District 7, and Representative Mele Carroll who represents District 13 in the state House, both serve constituents in their respective chambers that include representation of the the island of Lānaʻi.

The following are the full text of the statements issued today:

Statement from Senator J. Kalani English on Airplane Crash on Lāna‘i

“It is with great sadness that I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who passed in last night’s fatal plane crash on Lāna‘i. I continue to keep the survivors who are currently under the care of Queen’s Medical Center in my thoughts and prayers.”

“We lost two officials from Maui County’s Department of Planning and the pilot of the charter plane, with three others injured. They were on their way back from a Lāna‘i Planning Commission meeting that ended at 8:30 p.m. Their flight left around 9:05, about an hour after the last commercial flight leaving Lāna‘i. The Maui Planning Department officials played an integral part in development of the county and will be remembered for their service to the community.”

“Maui County has endured great tragedy in just a few months. We are still grieving the loss of Loretta Fuddy, Hawai‘i’s State health director, to a plane crash off the shores of Kalaupapa, Moloka‘i.

“As a unique and isolated county, small chartered planes are necessary for travel within the county. As such, air travel safety is an issue that is highly important to us. Maui Air had a previously unblemished record and I trust that a thorough investigation of the crash will occur. For those traveling by air to and from Lāna‘i, I want to assure you that services are safe and will continue.”

“We are grateful to the first responders in the crash and for their continued commitment to protecting Hawai‘i and those who visit our state.”

“On behalf of the Hawai‘i State Senate, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives and will keep the survivors in our thoughts and prayers.”

Representative Mele Carroll’s Statement on the Lāna‘i Plane Crash.

“I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of last night’s plane crash. I know this is an unbearable loss for them to face. The two county employees and the pilot are in my prayers.

I want the survivors, their families and the Maui County Community to know that we are all behind them and ready to support them in whatever they need.

I also want to express my appreciation to the first responders and the members of the Lāna‘i community who rushed to lend their assistance. All of the reports show that the community worked together- and that makes all the difference.

My thoughts, prayers and aloha are with everyone involved today.”