President Trump Signs Disaster Declaration following March Flood

A Presidential Disaster Declaration has been approved for severe storms and flooding that occurred on March 27-28, 2020.

The rain event caused significant flood damage to public infrastructure across Kaua‘i. The disaster declaration opens the door for state and local government and eligible nonprofit organizations to receive federal assistance for the emergency repair work to damaged public infrastructure and facilities. This funding will also enable those entities to take action to minimize long-term risk and damage.

“Kaua‘i has seen its fair share of disasters in the past few years and each time our federal government has provided assistance to help in our recovery efforts,” stated Mayor Derek Kawakami. “We offer our gratitude to President Trump for his continued support by signing this declaration and look forward to working with our partners at the Federal Emergency Management Agency as well as our congressional delegation.”

Gov. David Ige submitted the request on April 27, 2020, in which he 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 federal declaration also makes available the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides assistance to communities to prevent or reduce long-term risks to life and property from natural hazards.