HONOLULU – In a somber statement issued Thursday, Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green addressed the devastating impact of ongoing wildfires that have swept through Maui County, marking it as the deadliest natural disaster the state has faced in generations.
The toll on human life has risen to at least 55 individuals, with authorities anticipating that this grim number could further escalate. As officials grapple with the aftermath, it has been revealed that the rebuilding process could span several years and cost billions of dollars.
The County of Maui has been issuing harrowing updates on the situation. In the latest update, it was confirmed that an additional 17 fatalities were reported amidst the ongoing firefighting efforts in Lahaina. This grim discovery raised the death toll to 53 individuals, with an initial count of 36 confirmed fatalities on August 9, 2023. The situation remains fluid and critical, as the fires continue to rage and hinder rescue operations.
Governor Green expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and survivors who have endured the brunt of this unprecedented catastrophe. “This is a tragic day for everyone in Hawai‘i and the nation,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and the survivors suffering through the deadliest natural disaster the state has seen in generations.”
As the situation unfolds and more details emerge, Governor Green appealed to the people of Hawai‘i to rally together and provide unwavering emotional and financial support to the affected residents of Lāhainā and Maui. “In the coming days — as more and more details emerge — I ask that we as a state provide all the emotional and financial support we can to the people of Lāhainā and Maui,” he urged.
Governor Green, at the helm of the State of Hawai‘i, pledged an exhaustive commitment to managing the crisis. “I pledge to spare no resources to combat the destructive wildfires, shelter the displaced, treat and bring comfort to the traumatized, support our first responders, restore communication lines and enlist the aid of our federal and county partners to confront this once-in-a-lifetime catastrophe,” he asserted.
In a pivotal move, President Biden declared a major disaster in the State of Hawai‘i, initiating federal aid to supplement the ongoing state and local recovery efforts. This proclamation provides essential federal funding to individuals affected by the disaster in Maui County. The aid package encompasses grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and a range of programs designed to assist individuals and business owners in their journey to recovery.
Federal funding will also extend to state and eligible county governments, as well as select private, nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis. This financial backing will be allocated for the purposes of debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County. Additionally, emergency protective measures in Hawai‘i County will receive federal assistance.
Moreover, in an effort to mitigate future risks, federal funding will be available on a cost-sharing basis for statewide hazard mitigation measures.
The state and federal partnership underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency with which all entities are working to alleviate the suffering of those affected and rebuild the affected areas.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of these devastating wildfires, the resilience of the people of Hawai‘i is sure to shine through as they come together to support one another in this time of crisis.
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