2 major disaster declaration approvals to help Hawaiʻi recover from recent storms
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump approved two major disaster declarations for the islands in the wake of damaging hurricanes.
The declarations provide Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance funding on a cost-sharing basis — at least at a 75% to 25% split on major damages, with the federal agency covering the larger percentage — to supplement recovery efforts in the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi County and Maui County following Hurricane Lala in August, as well as Kauaʻi and Maui counties for impacts from Hurricane Lowell in September.
“I’m grateful for the approvals because people around the state have worked very hard toward recovery from our multiple disasters this year,” Green said. “We also have funding for people who had less damage, but still really struggled and suffered from these storms.”
The governor added that updates will be provided about applying for assistance as details are finalized.
“These declarations ensure that federal disaster recovery dollars can begin flowing to Hawaiʻi and that critical resources are being made available to support affected communities,” he added.
Green requested the expedited declarations immediately following Hurricane Lowell.
He previously obtained a presidential emergency declaration for immediate federal assistance to protect public health and safety after Hurricane Lala as well as to maintain essential services and support communities still recovering from the hurricane as Tropical Storm Moke approached.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance funding covers such things as debris removal, restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure as well as to eligible nonprofit entities.
Requests for additional assistance are pending.
A link for a fact sheet about public assistance funding can be found here.
“This declaration is an important step forward for our island’s recovery,” said Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami. “It brings federal support to help Kaua‘i cover the cost of clearing debris and repairing the roads, bridges and public facilities our community depends on.”
He thanked Green for his efforts in quickly securing the declarations and funding, as well as federal and state partners that have stood with the county since Hurricane Lowell impacted the island.
“Most of all, mahalo to our community. Neighbors checked on neighbors, volunteers showed up and our county and utility crews worked long days to get the island moving again,” Kawakami said. “We know many families are still recovering, and we will keep working to bring every available resource home to Kauaʻi.”
