While billions of US dollars go to Ukraine, Hawaiians try to regain foothold

Newsflash! On most given days, front-page stories vary from place to place, even though they are universally relevant.
For example, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser recently reported the largest lawsuits in Hawaii state history reached a settlement. Seven defendants, including Hawaii Electric, agreed to pay almost $4 billion to more than 10,000 residents of Maui who suffered losses due to the devastating wildfires that burned down much of the island one year ago, including the entire historical town of Lahaina.
Lahaina is a centuries-old whaling village where most structures had historical designations ― think New Orleans’ French Quarter but Aloha State style. Walt Disney couldn’t have built a more bucolic village for our 50th state. But sadly, it has all gone to ashes.
President Joe Biden touts accomplishments in response to the wildfires on the White House website. But, as a former auditor, I have learned that follow-up questions must be asked, especially for claims from politicians.
There are 445 federal personnel on the ground in Hawaii, 232 of whom are on Maui. Do the 445 employees include the employees who were already permanently stationed in Honolulu? And of the 232 in Maui, what are they doing and where are they lodging? Am I wrong to picture desperate Hawaiians digging through the ashes for family keepsakes, while federal employees enjoy the lobby Wi-Fi at the Grand Wailea Resort?
The Biden administration has approved $43.7 million in assistance to 7,013 households. Define “assist.” Is this what is funding the federal workers mentioned above? If so, then it appears that the braggadocio is being double counted.
The president authorized the federal cost share for debris removal to be increased from 75% to 100%. 
Thank you, President Biden, for taking away the trash.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $290 million in federal disaster loans. Loans ― not grants.
And here’s the big one ― $1.3 million for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help against homelessness.
I read where a group of Maui residents wanted to send a message to Washington so, at a county meeting, they proposed changing Lahaina’s name to “Kiev.”
Aha! I bet you didn’t think I was headed there!
To date, the United States has given Ukraine over $113 billion in aid ― not loans ― but cash and weapons.
More:US House passes $95B legislative package for security assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan
Last month as a parting gift, President Biden committed another 10 years of support. Apparently, the executive branch can enter into such an agreement, without the legislative branch’s blessings or appropriations.
Fellow Americans, THAT is an example of where Washington is charging money to your children’s credit cards and why our national debt just surpassed the $35 trillion mark. We trust our milk money to government officials who, instead of going to the grocery store, detour to the local tavern to buy rounds of drinks for their buddies.
On Nov. 5, Americans will vote for a new president.
Will one want to continue the status quo? Will another candidate choose to stop funding Ukraine?
You owe it to yourselves, your neighbors, your children, and your children’s children to do your due diligence and to vote your conscience.
Keep in mind that your vote may benefit Americans who are thousands of miles away.
Mahalo (thank you) for reading!
K. John Lee is a businessman and last year worked as a math teacher in Tulsa Public Schools. Lee has been a volunteer for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign. The views expressed here are solely his own and do not necessary reflect those of the Kennedy campaign.