US President Joe Biden has said he will visit Hawaii as soon as he can amid criticism of his response to the island’s deadly wildfires.
Mr Biden who spoke in Milwaukee on Tuesday, said he wanted to ensure that the people in the state had everything they need.
Hawaii residents have complained about the pace of the federal government’s response to the disaster.
The president stated on Tuesday that he is yet to go due to worries that doing so would take away from the humanitarian response in terms of resources and attention.
He also added his wife would be accompanying him when the time comes.
“I don’t want to get in the way. I’ve been to too many disaster areas. I want to be sure we don’t disrupt ongoing recovery efforts.
“Over 500 federal emergency personnel have so far been dispatched to help with relief efforts, including 150 search and rescue specialists. Additional personnel are being sent to Maui to help those already on the ground, Mr Biden said
He also said that all available federal assets in the region would be used for recovery efforts, including the US military and Coast Guard.
“It’s painstaking work. It takes time and it’s nerve wracking,” the president said.
The US Small Business Administration has also begun offering low-interest disaster loans to help local residents rebuild.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has approved one-time payments of $700 (£550) per household to help with immediate needs in the wake of the disaster.
“Every asset they need will be there for them, and we’ll be there in Maui as long as it takes.” He said
Chioma Kalu
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