Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

August 20, 2023

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. I will do everything in my power to help Maui recover and rebuild from this tragedy. And throughout our efforts, we are focused on respecting sacred lands, cultures, and traditions.

From day one, we immediately authorized three Fire Management Assistance Grants, and as soon as Governor Green requested a major disaster declaration, I signed it. My administration has mobilized a whole-of-Government response effort with more than 1,000 Federal personnel on the ground in Maui, including nearly 450 search-and-rescue team members. Jill and I are eager to meet with the brave first responders in Lahaina tomorrow, to spend time with families and community members, and witness firsthand what will be required for the community to recover. We will be here as long as it takes for Maui.

Categories: Statements by the President : Hawaii, President's travel. Names: Biden, Jill T.; Green, Joshua B.

Subjects: Disaster assistance, Hawaii; Hawaii, disaster assistance; Hawaii, Governor; Hawaii, President's visit; Hawaii, wildfire damage and recovery efforts; Natural disasters, Hawaii wildfires.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300708.

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