Biden to Assure Lahaina Residents of Control Over Rebuilding Efforts, According to Reuters

By Jonathan Allen and Brendan O’Brien

KIHEI, Hawaii – On Sunday, Deanne Criswell, the Director of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency, stated that President Joe Biden will visit Lahaina on Monday to assure residents that they will have control over their rebuilding efforts following the recent devastation.

The President, accompanied by the First Lady, plans to meet with first responders, local officials, and victims while assessing the extensive damage inflicted on the historic Hawaiian town. Criswell explained on CNN’s "State Of The Union" that his visit would focus on ensuring that the federal government supports the community’s rebuilding efforts according to their needs.

The wildfires that erupted on August 8 devastated Lahaina, destroying approximately 2,200 homes and businesses and leaving many individuals unaccounted for. As of Sunday morning, the confirmed death toll stands at 114 people.

During a separate appearance on ABC’s "This Week," Criswell reported that search operations in Lahaina town are 78% finished and that victims have received over $8 million in federal assistance to date.

Biden had faced criticism from Republicans for his delayed public response, waiting five days after the disaster to address it. Criswell clarified that she had been in communication with Biden in the aftermath of the wildfires, ensuring he understood the situation’s severity and the necessary resources required for assistance.

"He directed me to ensure that we are providing all possible help to the people of Maui and mobilizing all federal resources for immediate response," she noted.

The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation as authorities await the results of an official inquiry.

In other updates:

• Efforts are underway to identify those who perished in the fires, with forensic teams working tirelessly to complete this difficult process.

• Challenges are emerging in getting children back to school, as hundreds have enrolled in institutions outside of the affected area. For many, returning to school will be difficult due to trauma from the incident, and some families may choose to relocate instead of rebuilding.

• Biden authorized additional federal support for Hawaii on Friday, as announced by the White House.

School can provide a sense of normalcy for survivors in a community struggling to cope with loss while trying to rebuild their lives.