President Biden pledged Tuesday that he would go to Hawaii as criticism mounts over his response to the devastating wildfires which have left a minimum of 99 lifeless and destroyed the city of Lahaina on the island of Maui.

“My life Jill and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can. That’s what I’ve been talking to the governor about. I don’t want to get in the way. I’ve been to too many disaster areas, but I want to go and make sure they get everything they need,” Mr. Biden informed a crowd in Milwaukee.

Mr. Biden lamented the destruction attributable to the wildfires, that are the deadliest since 1918 when 453 individuals died from wildfires that unfold to Minnesota and Wisconsin, in response to the National Fire Protection Association.

“The deadliest wildfire in more than a hundred years,” Mr. Biden stated. “A whole city destroyed. Generations of native Hawaiian history turned to ruin.”

Mr. Biden famous that he had accepted Hawaii Gov. Josh Green’s request for a federal catastrophe declaration and that 500 federal personnel had been deployed to Hawaii. He additionally stated he had spoken to Mr. Green and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

He added that he had approved “all available federal assets” to help native crews, together with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy’s Third Fleet, and the U.S. Army. 

Mr. Biden stated he has directed Ms. Criswell to streamline the help course of and, up to now, Mr. FEMA had accepted 50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water, 500 beds, 10,000 blankets, and different types of shelter to residents.

FEMA additionally accepted one-time funds of as much as $700 per family for displaced residents, Mr. Biden stated.

It was the president’s most in depth remarks on the Hawaii devastation up to now.

Mr. Biden has been roundly criticized for giving stronger remarks on the wildfires sooner, together with being lambasted on social media for responding with “no comment,” when reporters requested him concerning the mounting dying toll.

The White House has dismissed criticism about Mr. Biden vacationing on the seashore over the weekend whereas the disaster was raging in Maui.

Former President Donald Trump referred to as Mr. Biden’s response to the wildfire “disgraceful,” including that his successor “refuses to help or comment on the tragedy in Maui.”

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