Biden visits Maui after deadliest US wildfire in over a century

President Biden visits Lāhainā, Maui, Hawaii, two weeks after a wildfire destroyed the historic town on August 8, 2023, killing at least 100 people and making it the deadliest US wildfire since the 1918 Cloquet fire. The wildfire, driven by Hurricane Dora's winds and years of drought exacerbated by climate change, burned 2,000 acres and destroyed more than 2,200 structures in Lāhainā within hours. Biden faces criticism for taking 13 days to visit and for a press conference gaffe where he compared the disaster to a small kitchen fire at his Delaware home. Survivors and local officials express frustration at the pace of federal aid. Biden declares a major disaster, unlocking FEMA and federal rebuilding funds.