As the deadly wildfires spread across the city of Maui, over 100 residents were left dead, homeless, or severely injured. With the death of Hawaii’s citizens, tourists and even President Biden have received criticism for the handling of the people’s plight.
Biden Responds to Maui Victims with $700
When first approached about the situation in Hawaii, Biden only responded with a “no comment.” This first comment took place in his Delaware beach home. Biden again responded with no comment again as he was riding his bike along the Delaware coast. When reporters questioned the President about his response to the tragedy, he replied, “I’m looking at it.”
Since then Biden has taken a break from his summer vacation to inspect Hawaii for damages.
In a statement, Biden expressed the intent to deploy as much emergency help as possible.
My heart, my prayers, and my focus are on the victims of the Maui wildfires and their families – I know how profoundly loss can impact a family and a community and I know nothing can replace the loss of life.
The help to go to the devastated families includes an approved distribution of over eight billion dollars to assist around 2,500 households affected. Some houses will also be eligible for a payment of $700 per household in the wake of the tragedy.
However, Biden’s treatment of the situation is seen as “insulting” by some politicians and commentators.
Republican candidate for Arizona governor, Kari Lake, commented on the brief help for Maui citizens to find permanent relocation. Comparing it to the help Ukraine receives from the U.S.
Only $700 per household to help rebuild Lahaina, Joe Biden? We’re spending $900 per household to fund your proxy war in Ukraine.
After witnessing the state of the island, Biden is now reassuring residents of the help that will come from the federal government. The president, in a public statement, draws a comparison to the Lahaina banyan trees still standing despite the blaze,
“Trees survive for a reason. I believe it’s a powerful, very powerful symbol, what we can and will do to get through this crisis. For as long as it takes, we’re going to be with you, the whole country (will) be with you.”
Tourism Once Funded the Island is Now Disrespecting it
Despite over 111 dead from the extensive wildfires, and citizens still evacuating, airlines are reportedly still ferrying tourists into the island. This is not the first time tourism facilities receive exclusive treatment.
In 2021, during harsh droughts, residents participating in non-essential water usage were fined $500. On the other hand, hotels and resorts were allowed to continue powering water parks despite the island’s attempts to conserve water.
For some, the sight of tourists not respecting the island created outrage.
“The same waters that our people just died in three days ago are the same waters the very next day these visitors — tourists — were swimming in,” locals describe to the news.
In the latest news, over 1,000 people are still missing, with approximately six billion dollars in damages.
Written by Brielle R. Buford
Sources:
Fox News: President Biden, Jill visit Hawaii for first time since wildfires devastated Maui
Newsweek: Joe Biden Sending $700 to Maui Fire Victims Sparks Backlash: ‘Insulting’
Diario AS: Tourism in Hawaii: Why the locals don’t want tourists to come back
Daily Mail: Joe Biden under fire for multiple ‘no comment’ responses on Maui wildfire as critics say there’s something ‘REAL fishy’ about the federal response to the disaster which has killed over 111
CNN: ‘As long as it takes’: Biden vows support for fire-ravaged Maui as search efforts continue
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Ken Lund‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Matt Johnson‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
