Western Reader
It has been reported that officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are enjoying the comforts of luxury hotels in Maui, while survivors of the devastating wildfires grapple with loss and displacement.
The irony is stark – these officials are stationed on the island to assist with recovery efforts, yet they seem to be living a life of luxury, far removed from the disaster site.
The Biden administration recently approved $7 million in emergency funds to aid the survivors. These individuals, who have lost everything in the fires, are set to receive one-time payments of $700 to replace essentials like clothing, food, and transportation.
However, the contrast between the survivors’ plight and the FEMA officials’ accommodations is glaring.
IT IS
BEING SAID THAT
FEMA
DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR
ERIK HOOKS WAS ARRESTED FOR TREASON!HE ADVISED FEMA TO
ENTER MAUI
+ WITHHOLD FOOD + WATER
AT ALL MEANS NECESSARY!BULLETS WERE INVOLVED!!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK? pic.twitter.com/hHHyxPm7Nu
— DR. Kek (@Thekeksociety) August 24, 2023
According to reports, approximately 1,000 FEMA workers are residing in four high-end resorts in Wailea, all at the expense of taxpayers.
These include the Fairmont Kea Lani, the only all-suite hotel in the state, the Four Seasons, and the Grand Wailea Astoria. These five-star rated resorts, known for their opulence and grandeur, have previously played host to Hollywood celebrities and the wealthy elite.
The Marriott Wailea Beach, where some FEMA officials are staying, charges a whopping $531 per night.
The other three resorts reportedly charge upwards of $1,000 per night. This extravagant expenditure is raising eyebrows, especially considering the proximity of these resorts to the recovery site.
All four luxury hotels are located approximately 45 minutes away from the site, leading many to question why cheaper and closer lodging options were not considered.
This decision by FEMA has sparked outrage among locals. One government employee, Kaleo, voiced his concerns, questioning why the officials couldn’t stay closer to the site. He labeled FEMA’s choice of accommodations as “selfish,” a sentiment echoed by many others.
Maui Fire – FEMA officials are staying at Maui’s remaining $1,000-per-night luxury hotels, while the Biden government is giving Hawaiians whose homes just burned down a lump sum of $700!👀🤬#Lahaina #fire #Maui #MauiFire #hawaiifire #Hawaii pic.twitter.com/lKNGfuSRpy
— HumanDilemma (@HumanDilemma_) August 23, 2023
Adding fuel to the fire, allegations have surfaced that FEMA is blocking volunteers from delivering supplies to those in need. It is claimed that only FEMA-approved items may be distributed, further exacerbating the situation.
The wildfires have wreaked havoc in Hawaii, claiming at least 114 lives, leaving thousands homeless, and causing an estimated $5 billion in damages. Amidst this devastation, FEMA’s slow response and questionable choices have drawn widespread criticism.
While the survivors of the wildfires struggle to rebuild their lives with meager one-time payments, FEMA officials are enjoying the comforts of luxury accommodations.
This stark contrast paints a grim picture of the agency’s priorities and raises serious questions about its commitment to the recovery efforts.
As taxpayers foot the bill for these extravagant stays, one can’t help but wonder if the funds could have been better utilized to aid those directly affected by the disaster.
This article appeared in StatesmanPost and has been published here with permission.
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