President Joe Biden is visiting Maui as authorities race against time to locate and recover nearly 850 people who remain missing after catastrophic wildfires ravaged the island.
These fires, which have been over 80% contained as of Sunday, have already claimed more than 110 lives and caused extensive property damage. This disaster marks the worst in Hawaii’s state history and the deadliest wildfires in the United States in over a century.
Upon his arrival, President Biden, accompanied by the first lady, will conduct an aerial survey of the destruction in Lahaina via helicopter. Subsequently, they will visit the wildfire-affected areas in person, receiving briefings from officials during their tour.
While in Hawaii, President Biden will also announce the appointment of Bob Fenton, a FEMA regional administrator, to oversee the long-term federal efforts to support Maui’s recovery. Fenton has been actively engaged in the disaster response since the wildfires began.
Recover and rebuild
“I will do everything in my power to help Maui recover and rebuild from this tragedy,” President Biden said in a statement on Sunday before his trip. “Throughout our efforts, we are focused on respecting sacred lands, cultures, and traditions.”
President Biden has maintained regular contact with Hawaii Governor Josh Green and has received updates from Federal Emergency Management Administrator Deanne Criswell throughout the crisis.
Search and recovery teams have combed through about 85% of the disaster site in Lahaina thus far, according to county officials. The FBI and the Maui Police Department have successfully located over 1,200 survivors.
Biden declared a major disaster in Hawaii on Aug. 10, just hours after the governor’s request, which unlocked crucial federal assistance for Maui. Currently, more than 1,000 federal personnel, including over 450 search and rescue team members, are on the ground in Maui. FEMA reports that the White House has approved $8.2 million in assistance to more than 2,700 households, including $3.4 million in initial rental assistance.
The wildfires ignited abruptly and spread rapidly around Aug. 8, fueled by Hurricane Dora’s winds and exacerbated by drought conditions on Maui. While the cause of the fires is under investigation, several lawsuits have already been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging that downed power lines sparked the blazes.
Disaster review
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has initiated a review of the disaster response by state and local officials. Notably, the Maui Emergency Management Agency did not activate sirens during the wildfires, leaving residents with little warning of the rapidly spreading fires.
Maui’s emergency management administrator, Herman Andaya, resigned abruptly last week after initially defending his decision not to activate the sirens. Governor Green has clarified that the review of the local emergency response is not a criminal investigation.
