(ABOVE) Sen. Schatz scrambles to pass out ice to residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park last week

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a week of hard work pssing out ice and supplies to Puna residents affected by Hurricane Iselle, and a dramatic primary election victory after a special election in the storm ravaged district on Friday, Senator Brian Schatz says he is returning to the region.

The Senator announced he will rejoin his team, who have remained on the ground in Puna, on Tuesday to assist with the recovery efforts. His focus this time will be on federal funds, the mitigation of albizia trees, and disaster recovery. Schatz says he will meet with state and county officials and continue his collaboration with community members from Puna.

I said on Friday night that my commitment to Puna’s recovery extends beyond any election or any election results, and I meant it. This is going to take time and effort, and it won’t be easy, but I will continue to do everything that I can to be helpful.”Senator Brian Schatz in a media release

Schatz also said he spoke to President Obama over the weekend by telephone. The senator says he thanked the President for his support throughout the Democratic primary.

It meant a lot to hear from the President. His endorsement was important to me personally and to the campaign, and I thanked him for it. We talked primarily about the future and the need to work together for the country as a whole and for Hawaii, which will always be special to him. We still have the general election in front of us, but it was very heartwarming to hear from him.”Senator Brian Schatz in a media release