Hawaii inferno unleashes fury, misery

Drawing criticism

Biden drew criticism when he appeared to say he had no comment on Sunday on the mounting death toll while on a weekend vacation at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware.

Republicans have criticized Biden for not commenting since expressing support for victims on Aug 10. Then, at an event in Utah, he said "every asset" would be made available after he approved a disaster declaration.

On Monday, the White House defended Biden's response to the wildfires. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president was "deeply concerned".

FEMA is providing $700 each to displaced residents to cover the cost of food, water, first aid and medical supplies, in addition to coverage for the loss of homes and personal property. The $700 payment was called insufficient by some on social media.

"Can someone please explain how our government can send hundreds of billions to other countries, but chooses to pinch pennies when our own people are in need?" financial commentator Mark Wlosinski wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "This is insulting."

Green said "leaders all across the board" have helped by donating more than 454 metric tons of food as well as ice, water, diapers and baby formula. Some active-duty US Marines also helped.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Loren Sanchez have pledged $100 million to the relief effort.

The Hawaii Community Foundation said it had received more than $27 million in individual donations to help the fire victims as of Monday.

Agencies contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at hengweili@chinadailyusa.com.