Kelly Slater is unimpressed by the U.S. government’s efforts in helping those affected by the tragic fire that decimated Lahaina, Maui on August 8.
The 11-time world champ spoke out on his Instagram stories, juxtaposing the aid received by Hawaii to the aid designated for California’s preparation for hurricane Hilary and Ukraine’s war against Russia.
He posted the following:
“California Governor declared a state of emergency over a mild rain storm. @potus just asked for $40B more for Ukraine in the past week. All the while Maui fire residents are being offered a one-time $700 payment from the federal government. Seems we’ve got a few things backwards to me.”
According to the Whitehouse, thus far the U.S. government response to the fire has included, but is not limited to:
- 1,000 federal personnel on the ground plus 450 search and rescue members with 50 canines
- $8.2 million in assistance to over 2,700 households, including $3.4 million in initial rental assistance; According to FEMA 3,000 people have registered for federal assistance. It distributed $700 to displaced residents for short-term costs
- 50,000 meals, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 cots and 10,000 blankets and shelter supplies to the county government
- 650 personnel from the Department of Defense and 140 members of the Coast Guard
- 500 hotel rooms for displaced locals and another 500 for FEMA workers
Slater is not alone in his criticism. Maui local Kai Lenny also has lamented the government’s reaction to the disaster.
“I haven’t seen one state, one county, one federal official at any one of the donation hubs where people are most suffering,” said Lenny after the first week of fire relief aid. “People are sleeping in their cars. People are asking for specific items now.”
President Joe Biden is visiting Maui today, August 21, to meet victims and speak with first responders.
More than 100 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,300 people are still considered missing in the wake of the most deadly U.S. wildfire in the last century.
To learn more about helping the fire relief programs, click here.
