Hawaii fires: Questions remain

As of Monday, FEMA said there were more than 300 federal workers on the ground, and the emergency agency has provided 50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 cots and 10,000 blankets to the county government.

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he and first lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii "as soon as we can" to survey the damage. He said he doesn't want his presence to interrupt recovery and cleanup efforts.

The governor praised Biden after he signed the emergency declaration hours after Hawaii asked.

Biden drew criticism when he appeared to say he had no comment Sunday on the mounting death toll while on a weekend vacation at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.

Republicans have criticized Biden for not commenting since expressing support for victims on Aug 10. Then, at an event in Utah, he said "every asset" would be made available after he approved a disaster declaration.

The White House on Monday defended Biden's response to the wildfires. Press secretary Karine Jean- Pierre said the president was "deeply concerned".

FEMA is providing $700 to displaced residents to cover the cost of food, water, first aid and medical supplies, in addition to coverage for the loss of homes and personal property. The $700 payment was called insufficient by some on social media.

"Can someone please explain how our government can send hundreds of billions to other countries, but chooses to pinch pennies when our own people are in need?" financial commentator Mark Wlosinski wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "This is insulting."

Green said "leaders all across the board" have helped by donating more than a million pounds (454,000 kilograms) of food as well as ice, water, diapers and baby formula. Some active-duty US Marines also helped.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Loren Sanchez have pledged $100 million to the relief effort.

The Hawaii Community Foundation said it had received more than $27 million in individual donations to help the fires' victims as of Monday.

Agencies contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at hengweili@chinadailyusa.com