Comparing Biden Aid to Hawaii vs Ukraine

The Biden administration has recently faced scrutiny for the assistance provided to those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui, in contrast to the extensive aid given to Ukraine.

Several Republicans and right-leaning analysts raised questions about President Joe Biden’s priorities when the U.S. pledged an additional $200 million for security support to Kyiv amidst its conflict with Russia, coinciding with the day when Hawaiian fire victims were allocated $700 per household.

It’s important to note that the disclosed amount isn’t the full extent of federal aid designated for Maui. While some numbers have been shared, the relief operations are just beginning, and more funds are anticipated in the upcoming days and weeks.

The nature of the aid dispatched to Ukraine is primarily distinct, with a focus on defensive weapons and equipment.

From February 2022, the time of the invasion, to the end of that year, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, an impartial research group referenced by senators, reported that Congress approved $113 billion in aid and military support for Ukraine. Of this sum, approximately $67.1 billion was allocated for defensive measures, whereas the remaining $46 billion catered to non-defense needs, encompassing economic aid, disaster relief, and assistance for refugees.

The Defense Department confirmed that it has extended $12.1 billion in security support to Kyiv since the onset of 2023. On Monday, August 14, they unveiled the most recent aid package of $200 million, encompassing Patriot air defense mechanisms and HIMARS weaponry. Concurrently, the president disclosed the one-time financial aid for those affected in Maui.

“We’re laser-focused on getting aid to survivors, including Critical Needs Assistance: a one-time $700 payment per household offering relief during an unimaginably difficult time,” Biden wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday. “We have staff on the ground dedicated to helping survivors navigate the registration process.”

FEMA’s “Temporary Sheltering Assistance is now available for residents who were displaced from their homes,” Biden posted.

Several areas of Maui have been ravaged by the fast-moving wildfires, leaving the exact number of households eligible for the $700 relief ambiguous. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2017-2021 indicates there are 53,919 households in Maui County, which encompasses Maui and several smaller islands.

Research from the Pacific Disaster Center, carried out for Maui County on August 11, revealed that the fire had damaged or obliterated 2,207 structures in the tourist destination of Lahaina alone. This suggests a potential payout of approximately $1.5 million for its inhabitants. The Pacific Disaster Center noted that 86% of the affected structures were homes, with an estimated 4,500 individuals now requiring housing. Anticipated rebuilding costs are projected to hit $5.52 billion.

During a White House press session on Wednesday, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Deanne Criswell, stated that the organization had already disbursed $2.3 million to families. However, only 1,300 households have registered to date.

FEMA’s dedicated webpage for this disaster outlines the total approved aid as $3.17 million. Out of this, $1.42 million falls under the “individual and households program” assistance, while an additional $1.76 million is categorized as “other needs assistance.” The page confirms the approval of 1,567 individual assistance applications.

Inquiries about aid related to the wildfire relief directed at the Department of Defense, which has been involved in rescue and recovery efforts via the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Guard, and the U.S. Army, were redirected to FEMA.

A representative from FEMA informed Newsweek that they have allocated over $3.8 million “directly to Hawaiian survivors to use for things like housing assistance or other critical needs they have.”

The spokesperson added that on Wednesday, Biden sanctioned additional aid for the state and Maui’s local government towards recovery expenses, although “no money is obligated yet for these costs.” On August 10, the president designated the wildfires as a major disaster. This declaration enables the federal government to provide affected businesses and residents with low-interest disaster loans via the Small Business Administration (SBA).

In Maui, homeowners and renters are eligible to borrow up to $500,000 at a 2.5 percent interest rate for home repairs or rebuilding. Alternatively, they can request up to $100,000 for mending or substituting personal belongings. Meanwhile, businesses have the option to borrow up to $2 million at a 4 percent interest rate.

The number of individuals and businesses that will avail of these loans remains uncertain at this early stage.

“Within hours of the disaster declaration, the SBA began deploying staff and resources to Maui to highlight the disaster assistance resources available to small businesses, residents and the surrounding community,” Christine Saah Nazer, a spokesperson for the SBA, said to Newsweek.

“The SBA is embedded with FEMA on the ground and prepared to help those affected access financial assistance,” she added.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is extending housing advice to those who have been affected. A representative mentioned that they had “enacted every flexibility within our authority” and also indicated the presence of a HUD team in Maui.

However, the representative also pointed out: “As with most disasters, HUD must wait until Congress provides funding for long-term recovery. This is why HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge has made it clear that we need authorization of Disaster Recovery funding, so that communities and their leaders do not have to wait to rebuild.”