Mayor Kim Clarifies Individual Assistance With FEMA

In a July, 12, 2018, response to Jesus Ceja, Emergency Management Specialist for the Recovery Division of FEMA, Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim outlined some points that Lower East Rift Zone property owners must know.

When applying for assistance, in order to be added to the list of properties considered to be inaccessible due to health and safety concerns, applicants must supply the updated names of all owners along with the property address.

“It is our understanding that these lists [lists of properties that are damaged or inaccessible] will be utilized instead of the ‘updated letter’ requirement by FEMA in order to continue to provide assistance,” the mayor said.

Applicants within the area who were previously considered to be ineligible may reapply and ask for an inspection in order to be reconsidered.

The last area which is not addressed on these lists, is the area outside of the area which have access; however, due to health concerns may not be livable.

“As discussed at the meeting on July 11, 2018, the County of Hawai‘i will work with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency to provide historical data of the air quality in order to qualify additional properties/areas for FEMA assistance,” said the mayor.

Disaster assistance is available islandwide to individuals and businesses in Hawai‘i County that have been affected by the Kīlauea eruption.

The Disaster Recovery Center located at the Kea‘au High School Gym is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays. If you need a ride, buses run between the two shelters and the Disaster Recovery Center.