Maui wildfires updates: President Biden, first lady get firsthand look at damage

Japan announced Wednesday that it will provide $2 million in assistance for the victims of the wildfires in Hawaii.

The aid will be provided through the American Red Cross and the Japan Platform, both nonprofits.

"Japan will actively provide assistance for the relief of the victims and the earliest possible recovery of the affected areas," the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Wednesday.

-ABC News' Anthony Trotter

At least 106 people have died since wildfires broke out on Maui on Aug. 8, according to officials.

The death toll grew on Tuesday as crews continue to assess the damage and search for victims.

Of the 106 confirmed fatalities, five individuals have been identified but only two have had their next of kin notified, according to Maui County and the Maui Police Department.

-ABC News’ Marilyn Heck

Gov. Josh Green said he spoke with President Joe Biden on Tuesday, who remains “heartsick” over what’s happened on Maui. He said the president won’t be coming immediately, though.

“President Biden and I will work out a time for him to come when the tough work is done, when the heartbreaking work is done on the ground, finding those we’ve lost,” Green said in his video address. “He was so sensitive about that. He did not want to interfere with the incredibly difficult emotional and physical work that goes on in a disaster zone.”

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green again shared his commitment to keeping the land in Maui in the hands of Maui residents at his latest press briefing Tuesday night – adding that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared his support on the issue.

The Rock “was sharing with me his desire to see the land stay in the hands of the people. We agree completely on that,” Green said. “I was really impressed by his passion for our loved ones here in the state of Hawaii.”

Green went on to say that if someone “behaves in a predatory fashion to someone suffering right now” and tries to “buy land out from under them,” as Governor he will not allow building or rezoning.

Additionally, Green announced he has ordered the opening of the Lahaina bypass to give residents, first responders and employees access to West Maui, beginning Tuesday at 6 p.m. Hawaiian Standard Time and through Wednesday morning. And between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday, it will open up for everyone else.