White House outlines federal support as Hawaii wildfires enter second week

By Alfred Acenas
Eagle News Service

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – President Joe Biden pledged that he would pay a personal visit to Hawaii and assess for himself the devastation caused by the wildfires in Maui and Big Island, culminating in the destruction of the oceanside historic town of Lahaina on the evening of August 8.

“I reassured the Governor [Josh Green, MD] that Hawaii will continue to have everything it needs from the federal government, and directed Administrator Criswell to keep surging resources and personnel as long as it takes,” said President Biden through social media on Tuesday, August 15.  “Every asset they need will be there for them.”

Most of the vehicles that crowded Front Street in Old Lahaina Town appear to be heading northward, indicating that travelers might have been trying to escape the fast-moving blaze by vehicle but to no avail. A marked “X” means that the vehicle or property has been searched for remains. So far, 106 people have lost their lives. Only two have been identified, while their next of kin have been notified. (Photo courtesy Office of the Governor of Hawaii)

As the ongoing fire disaster enters its second week, the Biden-Harris Administration highlighted its “whole-of-government response” in support of immediate and long-term rescue and recovery efforts in Maui.

  • Almost 500 Federal personnel are currently deployed to Maui to assist residents and businesses.
  • In the immediate aftermath of the fires, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy supported maritime search and rescue operations, while the U.S. Army helicopters supported fire suppression efforts on the Big Island.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed more than 140 Urban Search and Rescue personnel who have integrated with the Maui Fire Department to help conduct rescue operations.
  • In Maui alone, FEMA has provided 50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 cots, and 10,000 blankets and shelter supplies to the county government for distribution.
  • FEMA has also authorized Critical Needs Assistance (CNA), which provides a one-time payment of $700 per household to applicants who were displaced from their homes and have critical needs.  CNA also provides for lifesaving and life-sustaining items such as water, food, prescriptions, personal hygiene items, and fuel for transportation.
  • The Small Business Administration (SBA) has dozens of staff members on the island and has begun making low-interest Federal disaster loans available to Hawaii businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofit organizations. 
  • The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service approved Hawaii’s request for impacted Child Nutrition Programs and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
  • The American Red Cross and Maui County government continue to staff and support six shelters where food, water, hygiene kits and other essential resources are provided to survivors who are unable to return home.
  • FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Team members are deploying to shelters and helping people register for Federal assistance.  Those affected by the fires may visit a Red Cross shelter to get a hot meal, charge their phone and access other essential support.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved a Public Health Emergency effective retroactively from August 8 through November 6, 2023.
  • In addition, 17 specialists from the DHHS Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team are on Maui with additional teams en route to assist the state.
  • Local and national Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) are providing emergency assistance to survivors.  Those seeking to donate to the recovery efforts, can do so by visiting www.hawaiistatevoad.org.
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping clear roads, stabilizing electric service and working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the removal of hazardous waste essential to recovery work in the affected areas.
  • The U.S. Forest Service Incident Management Teams and Wildfire Liaisons integrated with the State to help identify resources, equipment, and additional personnel needed to fully extinguish the fires and prevent flare-ups.
  • The U.S. Fire Administration is also working with local fire departments to identify what support is needed for firefighting personnel and their families who were also affected by this disaster, as they continue to heroically battle these blazes.
  • The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, is actively supporting the Federal response by helping move supplies across the State and is providing assistance with fire suppression activities.
  • The Biden-Harris Administration continues to encourage individuals impacted by the disaster to register for Federal assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Meanwhile, the Maui County government has released the identities of two victims from among those who perished, which currently stands at 106.

The two elderly men identified on the evening of August 15 are listed below.  Their next of kin have been notified.
– Robert Dyckman, 74, of Lahaina; and

  • Buddy Jantoc, 79, also of Lahaina.

A third victim has been identified, but their loved ones have not yet been informed.

(Eagle News Service)