Biden approves more funds for Maui relief efforts

HONOLULU (KHON2) — With just over a week left to fund the federal government, more disaster relief money is needed, according to Sen. Brian Schatz.

Following a call from Schatz for Congress to pass additional funding for Maui, President Joe Biden announced on Friday that the federal government will cover 100% of clean up from Maui fires.

“This is a significant amount of money. By covering the full cost of debris removal for at least six months, the federal government will help the state and county save hundreds of millions of dollars,” said Senator Schatz. “We will keep working as hard as we can to help to bring more federal resources for Lahaina’s recovery.”

Biden said more funds will also be available for emergency protective measures undertaken in Hawaii as a result of wildfires beginning Aug. 8, 2023, and continuing.

The approval came after Schatz was out on the Senate floor on Thursday stating agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency are depleting their funds.

“They’re servicing the problem on Maui as they should be but anybody who’s had a disaster in the last couple of years Louisiana, Texas, New Jersey, New York, California, South Carolina North Carolina, Florida — all of them have their disaster recovery money frozen,” said Schatz at the Capitol.

“Let’s fight about everything except whether or not our fellow Americans get the help that they need from the federal government,” Schatz continued.