The U.S. president looked down from his helicopter. From high above Hawaii, Joe Biden could see where wildfires burned on the island of Maui. He later described the damage: “The devastation is overwhelming.”
Wildfires burned the western coast of Maui in early August. On August 8, strong winds spread the flames through the town of Lahaina. More than 100 people died. Hundreds more are still missing. It is one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history. On August 21, President Biden flew to Hawaii to visit the disaster zone.
Local Hawaiians waited for President Biden. They held signs along the road for him to read. One said, “Lahaina needs relief NOW.” Another said, “Mr. President, listen to the people.” A few signs said, “Lahaina Strong.”
President Biden walked through the historic town of Lahaina. In 1802, Lahaina became the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Lahaina was the center of Hawaiian government for about 50 years. The United States took control of Hawaii in 1898. Now many of its historic buildings are gone.
Biden met local leaders in Lahaina, including Hawaii’s governor, Josh Green. He thanked the who helped people stay safe. Officials have given food, water, and blankets to those in need. However, many Maui are still without power or drinking water. The fire destroyed at least one school.
President Biden offered greater support for Hawaii’s communities. He explained that in a speech in Lahaina. “The entire country is here for you,” Biden said while wearing a lei around his neck. “We’re going to get it done for you,” he added. And Biden vowed to listen to the locals to “get it done the way you want it done.”
The Hawaiian wildfires have forever changed the history of the state. It will take years to build back. President Biden made a promise to the people: “I will do everything in my power to help Maui recover and rebuild from this .”
Updated August 22, 2023, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Russell Kahn (Russ)
