Biden stresses federal efforts ahead of trip
FEMA workers, funding help Maui in fire’s aftermath
The White House, ahead of President Biden’s visit Monday to survey Maui’s wildfire damage, provided an update Saturday on his administration’s efforts to aid in the island’s recovery.
More than 1,000 federal workers, including upward of 450 search and rescue members, were on Maui as of Saturday as residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating blaze, Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said at a media briefing. The personnel come from several federal agencies that will help with food needs, assist small business owners, provide homeowners temporary relief from foreclosures, remove hazardous waste and more.
“This Monday, Jill and I will travel to Maui, meeting directly with survivors, first responders and emergency personnel, and state and local officials. To the people of Hawai’i: our entire nation stands with you in this time of grief and recovery,” a post on Biden’s social media account said.
The president said his administration had approved nearly $7 million in assistance to almost 2,200 families, which includes nearly $3 million in rental assistance. Earlier this week, Biden allocated additional funding for Hawaii, allowing the government to pay for expenses such as debris removal and emergency protective measures on Maui and statewide.
Biden’s visit will come nearly two weeks after the inferno swept through Maui, ravaging the historic town of Lahaina and killing at least 114 people while damaging or destroying more than 2,200 homes or other buildings. So far, Maui officials have identified six of the victims, all Lahaina residents: Donna Gomes, 71; Melva Benjamin, 71; Virginia Dofa, 90; Alfredo Galinato, 79; Robert Dyckman, 74; and Buddy Jantoc, 79.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response deployed 85 responders to help identify victims. Since the beginning of recovery operations, local officials have warned that the process of identifying victims would be arduous and urged residents to help by taking DNA tests.
“The remains we’re finding is through a fire that melted metal. We have to do rapid DNA to identify them,” Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said.
Hawaii tourism officials have “strongly discouraged” travel to West Maui during recovery efforts. The Biden administration said the U.S. Department of Transportation was working with major airlines that serve Kahului Airport to provide flexible travel policies for passengers.