President Joe Biden’s recent comments during his visit to areas in Hawaii devastated by wildfire have attracted widespread criticism. 

His comparison of the destructive wildfire to a kitchen fire and a comment about “hot ground” have been deemed insensitive, leading to a flurry of critiques from residents and political figures.

The President’s announcement of a $700 relief package for each affected family has been pointed out as insufficient, particularly considering the state’s high cost of living. Concerns have also been raised regarding the delay in federal assistance and Biden’s visit to the disaster zone.

During his visit, Biden touched upon personal tragedies, including the 1972 car accident that took his wife and daughter and his son’s struggle with brain cancer. Despite his assurances of federal support, many felt his response lacked depth given the wildfire’s scale.

The fire has wreaked havoc on Lahaina and disrupted vital utilities, causing prolonged power and communication outages. With vital documents destroyed, there’s uncertainty about the continuity of long-term aid programs.

The White House has countered criticisms by emphasizing the more than $8 million distributed as aid and the President’s appointment of a FEMA regional leader to lead recovery efforts. 

Nonetheless, the road to recovery promises to be long and arduous.