Obama Signs Disaster Declaration for Pahoa Lava Flow
President Barack Obama has signed a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance, allowing for federal help in dealing with protective measures as the June 27 Kilauea lava flow nears Pahoa Village Road and Highway 130.
By signing the declaration, Obama has allowed help from the Public Assistance Program and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to assist Hawai’i County.
On Oct. 24, Governor Neal Abercrombie initiated the request for the Presidential Disaster Declaration. It mentioned efforts taken by the county to re-establish alternate routes in the event that lava crosses major roads in Pahoa, the state’s efforts to move children to different schools, and the county’s request for additional air quality monitoring.