When President Biden arrived in the picturesque Hawaiian hamlet of Lahaina, he was confronted with a chorus of opposition. The air was filled with middle fingers raised, protest slogans, and signs that read “no comment.” This visit followed the President’s repeated refusal to recognize the tragic wildfire disaster that claimed the lives of at least 114 people.
Several dozens of local residents expressed their displeasure as Vice President Biden’s motorcade left Kapalua Airport en route to the most severely impacted areas of historic Lahaina. The refrain of “Go home, Joe!” reverberated as the President’s procession continued, mere moments before he delivered a prepared speech outlining the federal response. However, this response was met with skepticism by locals who felt that the assistance provided fell short of their requirements.
At the age of 80, the President faced severe criticism, even from members of his own party, for his perceived indifference following the deadliest series of US wildfires in over a century.
As the motorcade approached downtown Lahaina, Biden confronted signs that read “NO COMMENT,” “REALLY $7?,” “ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS,” and “FJB.” Several of these flags brazenly exhibited support for former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Dennis Mullen, 58, a local Kahana resident, inquired, “Where has the president been?” He criticized the restricted use of the presidential helicopter landing site to deliver life-saving supplies to the devastated city. “The runway remained intact,” observed Mullen, emphasizing the lost opportunities to convey aid.
On the western side of Maui, neighborhoods laid in devastation, their desperation palpable, but assistance elusive. The shocking death toll on Maui was the result of a series of miscalculations by officials, who failed to activate emergency alarms or promptly discharge water to combat the blaze.
Among the victims were children, including a tragic case in which a 7-year-old boy and his family succumbed in a smoldering vehicle. The majority of victims’ identities remained unknown, and a staggering 850 individuals remained missing.
Hawaiians were both stunned and infuriated by Biden’s response to this catastrophe. His “No comment” reaction on August 13, while he was relaxing on a Delaware beach, prompted a passionate response from former Hawaii legislator Kaniela Ing, who vented his anger on social media.
Biden remained silent despite being on the campaign route for his re-election next year. Even when asked about his impending trip to Maui, he responded, “No, not right now.”
Dean Fuchs, 59 years old, from Kihei in the island of Maui raised the Hawaiian state flag upside down as Biden’s motorcade went by, a universal symbol of distress. Fuchs criticized Biden’s initial response as an insult to the people of Maui, who had suffered devastating losses. Fuchs and others joined forces to convey their discontent with the federal response to the President.
Barry Brown, age 76, a Biden supporter, acknowledged FEMA’s lethargic response but remained confident in the President’s resolve to aid Maui’s recovery. Brown viewed Vice President Biden’s visit as a beacon of optimism, despite the ongoing turmoil.
The President’s trip to the island provided a fleeting respite from his vacation at the Lake Tahoe estate of a Democratic magnate in Nevada. Upon arrival, he conducted a 20-minute aerial survey of the disaster area, interacting with rescue workers and survivors.
Biden stated to the people of Hawaii, “We will stand with you for as long as it takes. I assure you.” He concluded with a heartfelt prayer for the deceased and the unidentified, invoking blessings upon all.
During his speech, Biden misspelled the name of a senator from Hawaii, alluding to Sen. Brian Schatz as “Shants.” This error followed previous mispronunciations of both senators’ names by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and an incorrect gender designation of Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono.
While the White House authorized a $700 per-household relief grant for survivors, the measure was criticized for its perceived inadequacy, particularly when compared to expenditures on other priorities, such as the funds allocated to Ukraine in response to Russia’s actions.
In times of tragedy, presidents have been expected to offer words of consolation and support throughout history. As was evident after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when President George W. Bush’s response garnered widespread criticism despite his commendation of FEMA’s efforts, a failure to demonstrate empathy for victims can have significant political consequences.
Eventually, Biden addressed the tragic loss of life in Milwaukee during an economic-focused speech. Despite briefly forgetting the appellation “Maui” and referring to the island as “the one seen on television,” he expressed his commitment to the island’s recovery.