A sign at the site of the destroyed Pioneer Hotel and Pioneer Theater is seen after wildfires driven by high winds burned across most of the town in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S. August 10, 2023.
The wildfires incinerated the town of Lahaina on Aug. 8, destroying 2,200 homes and businesses and leaving hundreds unaccounted for.
Biden has faced criticism from Republicans for not speaking publicly about the tragedy until five days after it occurred.
Criswell said she was in communication in the days that followed the wildfires, helping Biden understand the magnitude of the situation and what resources were needed.
Some will be too traumatized to attend when their schools in Lahaina reopen while some parents will opt to move rather than rebuild.
Persons:
Deanne Criswell, Joe Biden, Criswell, Biden, Jonathan Allen, Brendan O'Brien, David Morgan, Mary Milliken, Matthew Lewis
Organizations:
Pioneer, Hawai'i Department of Land, Natural Resources, REUTERS Acquire, . Federal Emergency Management Agency, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, U.S, Kihei, Chicago, Washington