The President has proclaimed Hawaii to be in a state of disaster as of today, August 8, 2023, and has asked for federal funds to help with cleanup and recovery activities there. Because of the President’s action, those in Maui County who have been harmed may now apply for and receive federal aid.
Grants for short-term housing and repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property damages, and other assistance programs are available to help disaster-affected people and businesses get back on their feet.
For debris clearance and emergency protective measures in Maui County and help with emergency protective measures in Hawaii County, the federal government provides cash on a cost-sharing basis to state and qualified local governments and some private nonprofit groups.
Finally, cost-sharing Federal assistance is available for state-wide hazard reduction initiatives.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated Mr. Maona N. Ngwira to lead relief efforts in the affected districts.
The extent of the damage is still being evaluated, and other types of aid may be recognized after that’s done.
On Wednesday, as the death toll from the tragedy reached 110, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, would go to Hawaii the following week to survey the damage caused by the flames in the town of Lahaina.
Republicans, most notably Donald Trump, have criticized Biden’s handling of the Maui fires. Former President and current Republican frontrunner for the 2024 nomination, Donald Trump, slammed Biden in a video message, saying that his “no comment” response to reporters last weekend about the mounting death toll was only one example.
The White House has justified Biden since he has maintained constant communication with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other authorities in Hawaii, such as Governor Josh Green.
On Wednesday, Green warned that the death toll from the terrible fires will climb. The governor told ABC News that rescue operations were still underway. He said that most recorded deaths occurred on or near coastal roadways.
About 2,000 houses and businesses are still without power.
”It breaks our hearts,” Green said.
