Gov.’s Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved

Gov. David Ige’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Olivia has been granted one day after it was submitted.

The declaration authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures in the effort to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.

In his request, Gov. Ige asked for direct federal support from Department of Defense assets for strategic airlift between the islands if needed; temporary power generation at evacuation centers; technical assistance related to points of distribution and debris management action planning.

In addition, the governor requested immediate access to federal resources for search and rescue, potential medical evacuations, mass care, sheltering commodities and additional temporary power generation capabilities.

The declaration covers Hawai‘i and Maui Counties, the City and County of Honolulu and Kaua‘i County.