President Joe Biden has pledged the unwavering support of the U.S. government in helping the people of Maui recover and rebuild after the devastating wildfires that destroyed the historic resort town of Lahaina. The wildfires, which occurred on August 8, claimed the lives of at least 111 individuals, with hundreds still unaccounted for.
In a video aired on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” President Biden announced that the federal government had already dispatched hundreds of emergency personnel, thousands of meals, and essential supplies like cots and blankets to assist the affected town. He assured the residents that the government would stand by them for as long as necessary, emphasizing the hope and strength that can be found even in the midst of darkness and destruction.
President Biden commended the efforts of the first responders, many of whom have been personally impacted by the wildfires. He expressed his gratitude to the search teams who have been working tirelessly around the clock.
To assess the extent of the devastation and meet with first responders, survivors, and officials at the federal, state, and local levels, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will be traveling to Hawaii on Monday.
In other news, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez announced that she will appoint a private, third-party agency to investigate and review the response of state and county officials to the deadly wildfire. This comprehensive review, which will take several months, aims to assess the actions taken before, during, and after the fire.
Hawaiian Electric Industries (HE.N), facing questions about the role of its equipment in the wildfires, experienced a record slump in its shares. The utility company’s shares plummeted to their lowest level since 1985, closing down 15.4% and shedding about 63% this week. Class-action lawsuits have been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging that the company failed to shut off power lines despite warnings from the National Weather Service about high winds that could spark wildfires.
Amidst the devastation, hundreds of volunteers have come forward to assist displaced Lahaina residents. Many residents are currently staying in Maui County-run shelters, with friends and relatives, or in donated hotel rooms and vacation rentals. These volunteers are providing supplies, distributing food and water, and offering emotional support to their fellow Maui residents.
Maui County Emergency Management administrator Herman Andaya defended the agency’s decision not to sound sirens during the wildfires. Andaya explained that using sirens typically used for tsunami alerts might have led people to evacuate towards the danger as the wildfire approached from the east.
Teams, led by 40 cadaver dogs, have been conducting a block-by-block search in the disaster area, covering 38% of the region as of Wednesday. The intense fire has made the identification of human remains slow. The first two victims identified were Robert Dyckman, 74, and Buddy Jantoc, 79. On Thursday morning, three more victims were identified as Melva Benjamin, 71; Virginia Dofa, 90; and Alfredo Galinato, 79. All identified victims were residents of Lahaina.
In a separate development, Hawaii senior water manager Kaleo Manuel has been transferred to a different position following reports that he delayed requests by a real estate development company to release agricultural water to help fight the Lahaina fire. The Department of Land and Natural Resources stated that the move was to allow Maui’s water management agency to focus on wildfire recovery work and emphasized that it did not suggest any wrongdoing on Manuel’s part.
The Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action criticized the government for using Manuel as a scapegoat, stating that releasing stream water into reservoirs earlier would not have made a difference as they are not connected to Lahaina’s hydrant system and the windy conditions prevented helicopters from scooping water.
As the recovery efforts continue, the people of Maui are receiving support from volunteers and the government, with President Biden reaffirming the commitment of the U.S. government to stand by them during this challenging time.
How have local community organizations, non-profits, and businesses contributed to offering support and comfort to those affected by the wildfires in Lahaina?
Offering support and comfort to those affected by the wildfires.
Local community organizations, non-profits, and businesses have also rallied together to help the people of Lahaina. They have organized fundraisers, donation drives, and efforts to rebuild homes and businesses that were destroyed in the blaze.
President Biden’s visit to Hawaii and his commitment to supporting the recovery efforts are seen as a crucial step in the healing process for the residents of Maui. The president’s acknowledgment of the strength and resilience of the community gives hope to those who have lost so much and assures them that they are not alone in their recovery journey.
As the investigation into the cause of the wildfire continues, the appointment of a private agency to review the response of state and county officials is a necessary step to address any concerns and improve future emergency response strategies.
Meanwhile, Hawaiian Electric Industries faces significant backlash and legal action over allegations of negligence in maintaining their equipment. The drop in the company’s shares reflects the loss of investor confidence and the potential financial consequences that may follow.
Despite the devastation, the outpouring of support from volunteers and the community is a testament to the strength and unity of the people of Lahaina. Their resilience and determination to rebuild their town will undoubtedly propel them forward as they continue to recover from this tragic event.
That’s great to hear! It’s crucial for the President to show support and provide assistance during such devastating times.
I’m glad President Biden is prioritizing the affected communities in Maui after the devastating wildfires. Their ongoing support will be instrumental in the recovery efforts.