Biden pledges continued assistance for Maui wildfire survivors on one-year anniversary
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Biden Administration announced Thursday its continued support for Maui to ensure long-term recovery of survivors and the community.
On the one-year anniversary of the wildfires disaster, President Joe Biden made calls to Gov. Josh Green and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to express his commitment to the people of Maui as they continue to recover.
“In addition to continuing to assist the people of Maui in their greatest time of need — including nearly $3 billion in Federal support to response, recovery, and rebuilding efforts — the Administration is also working to build the long-term resilience of Hawaii and making significant investments to prevent another tragedy like this from happening again,” the White House said in a statement.
In addition to the financial support the administration has given, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Merrell traveled to Maui this week to commemorate the one-year anniversary.
Biden is continuing to urge Congress to pass the Administration’s supplemental funding request, which will help Maui rebuild, by providing funding for long-term housing.
“The Biden-Harris Administration will be with the people of Maui every step of the way, no matter how long it takes, to recover and rebuild from these unprecedented wildfires. Throughout this long-term recovery and rebuilding effort, the Administration will continue to incorporate the voices and knowledge of the Native Hawaiian Community in respecting and preserving sacred lands, culture, and traditions,” the White House added.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has removed debris from nearly 98% of the residential properties impacted by the fires.
Maui County is expected to publish a draft long term recovery plan later this year.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also announced new actions to support borrowers in Maui County.
Officials said eligible borrowers and renters in Maui County who lost their homes, and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home, can continue to use FHA’s 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims program to receive up to 100% financing. This is effective immediately.
A waiver issued Thursday lifts the requirements that borrowers apply by the one-year anniversary. The deadline has been extended to Aug. 10, 2025.
For more information from HUD, click here.
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