Biden speaks to Hawaii leaders on anniversary of Maui wildfires

President Joe Biden spoke to both Gov. Josh Green (D-HI) and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen on Thursday, the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires.

The disaster left 102 people dead and destroyed the historic community of Lahaina, making it the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history.

“They discussed the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination to provide sustained support to impacted communities. The governor and mayor recognized the extraordinary partnership with the extensive federal team that is working side by side with state and local partners every day,” White House spokesman Jeremy Edwards said in a statement. “As President Biden made clear when he and first lady Jill Biden visited Maui shortly after the fires subsided, the Biden-Harris Administration will be with the people of Maui every step of the way, no matter how long it takes.”

Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell plans to join Lahaina community members at a memorial service Thursday night and “will read a letter from the President to the people of Maui,” according to the White House.

The U.S. has suffered several natural disasters during Biden’s term in office, including recent devastation in the southeast caused by Hurricane Debby.

Biden additionally received a briefing Thursday on the latest developments involving Debby, which has been downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves up the East Coast.