In Maui, Biden sees 'long road' ahead in recovering from deadly wildfires

US President Joe Biden on Monday praised the "remarkable resiliency" of the people of Maui, after wildfires killed more than 114 people on the Hawaiian island two weeks ago, and said America would stand by them for as long as it takes.

"We’re focused on what’s next. That’s rebuilding for the long term…and doing it together," said Biden, visibly moved after a tour of the blackened city of Lahaina. He added he would make sure “your voices are heard” and local traditions and wishes were respected.

"The American people stand with you," he told survivors of the August 8 wildfires, standing alongside Governor Josh Green, Hawaii's senators and the representative for Maui in Congress. "For as long as it takes, we're going to be with you."

Biden, wearing an ornate lei, later told 400 people at a community event that featured traditional music and heartfelt speeches by local leaders: "Jill and I are here to grieve with you but also we want you to know the entire country is here for you."

He emphasised repeatedly that the rebuilding would follow the wishes of the people of Lahaina and lauded the strong sense of community he had seen during his visit.

"It’s going to be a long road," he said, noting the symbolism of a historic banyan tree where he spoke earlier that was damaged but survived the fires.

"I know it's a metaphor, but that's you. That's who you are. There’s no quit in Hawaii, there’s no quit in America, there’s no quit in us."

In both remarks, the president shared his own grief when a vehicle accident killed his first wife and young daughter, and said he recognised what Maui people were feeling - "that hollow feeling you have in your chest like you’re being sucked into a black hole".

Green thanked Biden for his help and praised what he called the unprecedented speed of the federal response.

In Lahaina, his motorcade passed blackened neighbourhoods interspersed with untouched areas across the highway from the blue sea.

Biden, who is seeking re-election in 2024, has been criticised by some Republicans and others for his initial response to the Maui fires. Biden said on August 10, he would expand federal aid to Hawaii and promised help to anyone who needed it. He went several days without speaking about the tragedy while vacationing at his Delaware beach house.

Democratic Senator Brian Schatz told reporters that Biden had instructed his entire cabinet to help Maui "restore some sense of normalcy over time," and understood the island would need federal resources for the long haul, not just a few weeks.

He said local residents were angry, and "the frustration is understandable" given lives lost and homes destroyed, but everyone was striking a bipartisan tone with regard to federal assistance from Washington.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told reporters Monday she has provided Biden with regular updates and he is "satisfied" with the response. The president on Monday appointed FEMA Region 9 administrator Bob Fenton as the chief federal response coordinator of a long-term federal recovery effort.