The Biden-Harris Administration has orchestrated a comprehensive and unified response to address the urgent and enduring challenges posed by the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. Federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, and more have collaborated closely with state and local partners to assess needs and allocate critical resources for rescue and recovery operations.

In the aftermath of the destructive fires, President Biden promptly signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii, underscoring the Federal Government's commitment to assisting the state in its recovery. Over the weekend, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman conducted an on-site assessment, affirming the Administration's unwavering support for affected communities.

Residents impacted by the catastrophe are urged to register for Federal assistance through www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Key Highlights of the Coordinated Response:

• Close to 500 Federal personnel are actively aiding Maui residents in their time of need.
• Immediate maritime search and rescue operations were supported by the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, while U.S. Army helicopters assisted in fire suppression efforts on the Big Island.
• FEMA and partners have deployed over 140 Urban Search and Rescue personnel, working alongside the Maui Fire Department in rescue missions.
• FEMA provided essentials like meals, water, cots, blankets, and shelter supplies to Maui County for distribution.
• Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) offers a one-time payment of $700 per household to those displaced, covering vital items like water, food, prescriptions, personal hygiene essentials, and transportation fuel.
• The Small Business Administration extends low-interest Federal disaster loans to impacted businesses, homeowners, renters, and nonprofits.
• USDA's Food and Nutrition Service approved Hawaii's request for Child Nutrition Programs and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
• American Red Cross and Maui County are managing shelters, offering essential resources, FEMA Survivor Assistance, and registration support.
• Department of Health and Human Services initiated a Public Health Emergency, deploying Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams for assistance.
• Local and national Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs) are providing emergency aid, with donation opportunities available at www.hawaiistatevoad.org.
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively aiding in road clearing, electric service stabilization, and hazardous waste removal.
• U.S. Forest Service teams collaborate with the State for effective firefighting resource allocation.
• U.S. Fire Administration ensures support for firefighting personnel and their families impacted by the fires.
• Department of Defense's U.S. INDOPACOM aids in supply transport and fire suppression efforts.
• U.S. INDOPACOM is relocating response command personnel to Maui for efficient coordination.

The Administration remains dedicated to supporting Maui's recovery and ensuring assistance reaches affected communities without delay.