Recognizing the Courage and Bravery of Captain Riley Coon

Floor Speech

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Ms. TOKUDA. Madam Speaker, on August 8, 2023, there were many heroes who exhibited courage and bravery as wildfires ravaged Maui and Hawaii Island.

Today, it is my honor to recognize one of those heroes, Captain Riley Coon, a third-generation mariner and co-owner of one of Maui's oldest family boating companies, Trilogy Excursions.

When the Coast Guard called for help, Riley and six other Trilogy captain and crewmembers answered the call, rescuing countless people who had jumped into the ocean to escape the flames, and transporting them to safety.

Battling 80-mile-per-hour winds, intense heat, and smoke, Riley saved lives as they conducted emergency rescues throughout the night and into the next morning.

For his courageous efforts, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society selected Riley from over 200 nominees nationwide as the 2024 Single Act of Heroism Honoree.

It is an award that is much deserved, and it serves as a reminder of the many everyday people who stepped forward and became heroes on those fateful days.

So, today, in addition to recognizing Riley, let us lift up and celebrate all of our heroes who risked life and limb and ran toward the flames to save the people and places they love.

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