President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden arrived in Maui on Monday to see first-hand the damage caused by the deadliest American wildfire in more than a century. The president reiterated federal support but some critics say it still isn't enough.
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00:00 Welcome back. President and First Lady arriving in Maui on Monday to see
00:04 firsthand the damage that was caused by the deadliest American wildfire in more
00:08 than a century. The president reiterated federal support, but as Emily Schmidt
00:12 reports, some critics say it still isn't enough.
00:14 Even after nearly two weeks of seeing wildfire damage, people impacted can
00:21 barely believe their eyes. It's hard to take in, you know, just seeing all this
00:27 devastation. I don't I don't know what to think. Monday, President Biden
00:32 visited Maui to see what's been lost and say how the federal government is
00:37 helping the country's grieves with you, stands with you and will do everything
00:42 possible to help you recover, rebuild and respect culture and traditions.
00:46 When the rebuilding takes place, President Biden had said he would not
00:50 visit until he wouldn't be a hindrance. It's reflective of mixed emotions in
00:55 Maui. Those who say the official response has been too slow. I think
01:00 everyone's a little bit let down at the lack of response from our government.
01:03 Those who counter official action has been too fast. We feel that the
01:08 government is stream rolling this process without consulting from the
01:15 leaders of our community. Meanwhile, challenges remain. At least 114 people
01:21 died in the fires, with that number expected to rise is about 850 people
01:26 are still missing. The White House says there are nearly 450 federal search and
01:30 rescue team members helping hundreds more federal personnel and FEMA has
01:35 made available more than 50,000 meals. Local officials say they are grateful
01:40 for the help, but want the president to know they see more need for much
01:44 longer. It's just a long and winding road ahead of us. I'm Emily Schmidt
01:49 reporting.