President Biden flew over the blackened remains of Lahaina on Monday in his first visit since the deadly wildfires and declared: “The devastation is overwhelming.”
And in remarks in Lahaina near a 150-year-old banyan tree that survived the fire to become a symbol of hope, Mr. Biden repeatedly called Hawaii “the kingdom of Hawaii” as he emphasized his commitment to rebuilding.
“We’re going to rebuild the way people of Maui want it built,” he said during his visit, which was expected to last about six hours.
The president also sought to assure residents of Maui that they would be involved in the recovery process. “We will be respectful of the sacred grounds and the traditions,” he said.
The devastating fires in Maui, a tragedy long forewarned, are a stark reminder of the failure to prioritize human well-being over short-term cost considerations. My heart aches for the lives lost and the homes destroyed; this catastrophe underscores the systemic failure to heed warnings and underscores the urgent need for a compassionate, foresighted approach to our shared environment and community.
I heard the death toll is up to 800? That’s wild.
🙏
800 missing. Death toll is 114 officially.
These are the things that become headlines these days…
That shouldn’t have been a question… Maui should be rebuilt the way Maui wants it no question.
…but it’s probably not going to be. $$$$$$
Especially with all the rich developer’s that’ve been flying around the bereaved, like eager buzzards. Probably to build condos or something equally gaudy to the locals.
Condos would be fine, that can get more residents to the islands. Nothing wrong with that, especially since all the other islands outside of Oahu can use new people.
Unfortunately, the more likely scenario is gonna be condos for the sole purpose of AirBnB business with a dash of hotels all over the place with no actual destinations for either residents or tourists.
Unfortunately AirBNB is the route I expect it would go. I really want to be wrong.
