US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (15/8) that he would visit Hawaii “very soon” to review recovery efforts after the forest and land fires that ravaged Maui and killed dozens of people.
Biden, at an economic event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, made no mention of visiting the Maui area, citing concerns expressed by the White House that the president would not interfere with efforts to search for more bodies from the burned-out building.
“I want to go and make sure we provide them with everything they need. I want to make sure we don’t disrupt ongoing recovery efforts.”
White House officials are discussing what will be required of the president’s visit. Biden said he discussed the visit with Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
Biden said he had spoken to Green several times and assured him the state would receive everything it needed from the federal government. Biden also approved an application for an accelerated catastrophe declaration, a status that allows state governments to obtain any assistance from the federal government in Washington. (rd/lt)
