US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden step off Air Force One upon arrival at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Reno, Nevada on August 18, 2023.
Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Deanne Criswell said on Sunday that President Joe Biden will reassure the people of Lahaina that they might be in charge of how they rebuild when he visits the razed Maui community on Monday.
The president together with the primary lady plan to go to the historic Hawaiian town and meet with first responders, local officials and victims and get a firsthand take a look at the widespread devastation, Criswell said on CNN’s “State Of The Union” show.
“He’ll give you the chance to reassure the people of Maui that the federal government is there to support them, but we’re doing it in a way that is going to permit them to rebuild the best way they need to rebuild,” she said.
The wildfires incinerated the town of Lahaina on Aug. 8, destroying 2,200 homes and businesses and leaving tons of unaccounted for. As of Sunday morning, 114 people were confirmed dead.
In a separate interview on ABC’s “This Week” program on Sunday, Criswell said search efforts in Lahaina town are 78% complete and that victims have received greater than $8 million in federal assistance. Biden has faced criticism from Republicans for not speaking publicly concerning the tragedy until five days after it occurred. Criswell said she was in communication in the times that followed the wildfires, helping Biden understand the magnitude of the situation and what resources were needed.
“He directed me to be certain that that we’re doing every thing we are able to to assist the people of Maui and to herald the entire federal resources to assist with this immediate response,” she said.
The reason behind the fires has not yet been determined pending the outcomes of an official investigation.
In other developments:
— Details have begun to emerge concerning the lives of the deceased. Forensic pathologists, X-ray technicians, fingerprint experts and forensic dentists are working 12 hours a day to finish the grim task of identifying those lost.
— Getting kids back to high school poses challenges as tons of have already enrolled in schools in areas outside the burn zone. Some might be too traumatized to attend when their schools in Lahaina reopen while some parents will opt to maneuver slightly than rebuild.
Wherever they attend, school could be a step toward normalcy for survivors in a community grappling with how one can pick up lives while carrying the burden of mourning.
— Biden on Friday authorized additional federal support for Hawaii, the White House said.
