Federal aid is coming to Hawaiʻi to assist with recovery efforts following back-to-back March kona low storms that caused widespread flooding and damage throughout several areas of the state.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, announced that President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration to provide individual and public assistance for Hawaiʻi County, the City and County of Honolulu and Maui County.
FEMA will provide public assistance to reimburse the state and county governments for emergency response and infrastructure repairs.
“This major disaster declaration is a critical step forward for Hawaiʻi as we recover from the devastating impacts of the kona low storms,” said Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green. “I’m grateful to the president and FEMA for acting quickly to approve our request because it immediately unlocks the federal resources we need to support response and long-term recovery in our state.”
Federal funding is now accessible for state and eligible local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, to assist with emergency efforts and repair facilities damaged by the recent severe storms.
Hawaiʻi County, Maui County and the City and County of Honolulu are in the process of securing these vital resources to aid in recovery efforts.
“This declaration allows us to expand operations and bring critical federal resources into Hawaiʻi at a pivotal time,” said Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Administrator James Barros. “We are working closely with county, state and federal partners to ensure support reaches the communities that need it most. Recovery will take time, but this is a major step forward in getting help where it’s needed.”
Individuals and families who sustained losses in designated areas should file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance online, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app.
Deadline to apply for assistance is June 7. Applications can be updated with additional information if the situation changes.
“People across Hawai‘i have come together to respond to and recover from this disaster, and our county, state and federal governments have stepped up to support them,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawai‘i Democrat, in a statement. “We thank President Trump for approving this request. FEMA has been a supportive partner in this process, and this new declaration will mean more federal resources to help people recover and rebuild.”
Residents can continue to access state support and recovery information through Aloha United Way at 2-1-1 and online. People can be connected to housing assistance, food support and disaster case management services by calling 2-1-1.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as recovery efforts continue.
