Local Boat Captain Receives Congressional Medal of Honor Citizen Honors Award for Valor During Lāhaina Fire

Lāhaina, Hawaii – 4/9/2024 – Last week on Medal of Honor Day, Captain Riley Coon of Trilogy Excursions was honored with the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor Citizen Honors Award in Washington D.C. on behalf of his team and community’s example of exceptional bravery and selflessness during the Lahaina Fire response. 

Captain Kuki’i

The Citizen Honors Awards, presented annually by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, recognize the extraordinary acts of courage, sacrifice, and integrity exhibited by United States citizens. Selected from over 200 nominations nationwide, Riley was chosen, representing Trilogy’s response efforts during the crisis. 

Reflecting on the recognition, Riley expressed profound humility, emphasizing that the award rightfully belongs to the entire team and countless others involved in responding to the devastating fires on 8/8/2023. Trilogy’s response team that evening involved six other Trilogy Captain and Crew members who assisted the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct emergency rescue on the night of August 8th and into the next morning.  

"I can only accept this on behalf of our team, and on behalf of the people of Maui" Riley remarked, underscoring the collaborative nature of the achievement. "It is my hope that our story of responding to a call for help may be an inspiration to others and hopefully reflects well on our island’s boating community."  

During the award ceremony held in Washington DC, Captain Riley had the privilege of sharing the stage with Medal of Honor Recipients, distinguished war heroes whose acts of valor epitomize the highest ideals of courage and selfless service.  

He described the experience as both “exhilarating and humbling--it provided a sense of closure and resolution to our team’s involvement aboard a Trilogy vessel the unforgettable night of the Lahaina Fires”. Moreover, Riley reflected positively on meeting many who are still concerned about Maui from across the continental US and was able to communicate the challenges that lie ahead for the Maui community on center stage.  

As part of the honorable recognition, Riley chose to donate the accompanying $1,500 grant to the Lāhaina Restoration Foundation. This contribution will support the organization's efforts to rebuild and preserve historical landmarks in Lāhaina, including the Old Courthouse at Lāhaina Harbor. The Citizen Honors Award underscores Trilogy’s unwavering commitment to the values of good citizenship and community service. The medal, which will be framed and displayed alongside a professional photo of the team, serves as a symbol of collective courage and resilience.