Biden will visit Hawaii on Aug. 21

U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife on August 21 will visit the Hawaiian island of Maui, where fires killed more than 100 people. This is stated in a written statement by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

“The President and First Lady will visit Maui on Monday, August 21, to meet with emergency responders, victims, and federal, state, and local officials in light of the deadly wildfires on the island,” the document said. Biden will tour areas where the elements have caused damage and discuss “next steps for recovery.”

According to Jean-Pierre, Biden is “committed to ensuring that the people of Hawaii have everything they need from the federal government as they recover from the disaster.” The document notes that the American leader is in contact with the leadership of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawaii authorities.

The forest fire started on the Hawaiian island of Maui on August 9. Due to strong winds, the fire quickly spread to the tourist town of Lahaina, which as a result completely burned. According to the latest data, at least 106 people died. About 4.5 thousand people were left without housing. Forest fires in Hawaii have become the deadliest in the United States for the last century. The governor of the American state reported that the damage from the “largest natural disaster” in its history is estimated at $6 billion.

Maui residents have repeatedly complained about the lack of support from the Biden administration. According to The New York Times, many residents on the west side of the island displaced from their homes are receiving more help from volunteers than from the government. House of Representatives member Marjorie Taylor-Green (Georgia Republican) pointed out that the Washington administration is allocating huge funds for military aid to Ukraine, forgetting that support is needed in Hawaii.

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