Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are staying at expensive luxury hotels in Maui, located "on the other side of the islan...
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are staying at expensive luxury hotels in Maui, located "on the other side of the island" from recovery efforts, the DailyMail.com reported.
FEMA officials, who have been sent to Hawaii to assist with recovery efforts following the deadly fires, are reportedly staying in posh Maui resorts that start at $1,000 per night, according to the outlet.
Meanwhile, the devastating wildfires have taken the lives of at least 114 people, left thousands of individuals without homes, and caused roughly $5 billion in damages. FEMA's slow response to the disaster has received widespread criticism, and now the agency's tone-deaf choice of lodging has sparked additional outrage.
The DailyMail.com stated that approximately 1,000 FEMA workers are staying at four resorts in Wailea on the taxpayers' dime. Three of the hotels, including the Fairmont Kea Lani, Four Seasons, and the Grand Wailea Astoria, boast five-star ratings and have previously accommodated wealthy elites and Hollywood celebrities.
The Fairmont Kea Lani is the "only all-suite" hotel in the state. Its 780 rooms are at least 860 square feet and include private balconies. The Four Seasons sits on 15 acres, featuring a white fountain pool and 600-square-foot rooms. The Grand Wailea, located on 40 acres on Wailea Beach, has 776 rooms starting at 640 square feet.
FEMA officials are residing at a four-star hotel, Marriott Wailea Beach, for $531 per night, the outlet reported.
All four luxury hotels are located approximately 45 minutes from the recovery site, leading some to question why FEMA did not choose from the many cheaper and closer lodging accommodations on the island's west end.
"Shouldn't they stay closer to the site, instead of staying across on the other side of the island?" asked Kaleo, a government employee who requested that the DailyMail.com omit his last name over fears he could lose his job for speaking out. Kaleo called FEMA's choice of accommodations "selfish."
Locals have also blasted the government agency for allegedly blocking volunteers from delivering supplies to those in need, claiming that only FEMA-approved items may be distributed.
The Biden administration has signed off on $7 million in emergency funds to provide survivors with temporary accommodations. Survivors will receive one-time payments of $700 to purchase essentials lost in the devastating blaze, such as clothing, food, and transportation.
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