[President Joe Biden walks toward a stage, stops to get a lei placed around his neck, and walks up to a podium]
Joe Biden (speech): “And I’ve seen just in the several hours I’ve been here so far remarkable resiliency, such an incredibly good people. Jill and I are here to grieve with you but also we want you to know the entire country is here for you. That’s not hyperbole. We mean that. The entire country is here for you. We just surveyed the damage. I want you to know whatever it takes, as long as it takes, I look at your congressmen and senators and governor and lieutenant governor, we’re going to get it done for you, but get it done the way you want it done, not get it done somebody else’s way. I mean it.”
“I can only imagine what it’s like to lose your home completely burned to the ground. And more importantly, all the things that matter to you, from that ring he gave you when you were 19 years old, from that special letter that came for your son or your daughter. The little things that matter most: the album, the family albums, all of it is a touchstone, all the things we care about and lose. And many of you have lost more than just that. Many of you have lost family. Not even sure where some are.”
“What I’ve observed in my short time here today is the courage, the community, the sense of togetherness you have. This is not an ordinary community. It’s a community based on faith in one another. I’ve watched, I’ve had an opportunity to get to know your governor, I know your senators, I know your folks. What they said about who you are is true. It’s true.”
“You know, I’ve been impressed how you look out for one another, you turn your pain into purpose. This town has stood as a sacred spot for centuries. So much history, so much beauty. Just before coming here, I stood in front of the banyan tree that stood for 150 years. It burned, but it still stands. One resident called it a diamond in the rough of hope. Another said fire cannot reach its roots. I know it’s a metaphor, but that’s you. That’s who you are. That’s Hawaii. There’s no quit in Hawaii. There’s no quit in America. There’s no quit in us. Remember for God’s name, who we are.”
[Biden walks off stage, hugs the woman at the bottom of the steps]
This script was provided by The Associated Press.