Some federal funds might be available for storm recovery projects.
Gov. Josh Green announced Monday that infrastructural damage on Hawai‘i Island caused by Hurricane Lala may be less severe than originally feared: bridges initially thought to be heavily damaged may be safe to use in mere days, rather than weeks.
Nonetheless, Green said much of the Big Island’s infrastructure — particularly in Ka‘u, the island’s southernmost district which was the most severely impacted by is in dire need of extensive, and expensive repair.
“There is no question that some of the roads (in Ka‘u) are vulnerable,” Green said. “There’s been erosion, there’s been a lot of water … I was impressed that the bridges were more sold than we expected, but the mud was pretty substantial. There are houses that are halfway under mud.
“We’re going to have to do a lot of public assistance for individuals who are dislocated,” Green went on.
Green promised “significant appropriations” in the coming year for road infrastructure upgrades, and that Ka‘u would receive the lion’s share of that money.
Throughout the storm, Green said he is communication with Markwayne Mullin, director of the Department of Homeland Security, for potential federal aid after damage assessments are complete.
And Sen. Brian Schatz announced Sunday that he has spoken with Sean Duffy, Secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation, who has offered to help with the recovery process. Schatz reportedly requested that Duffy approve a future request by the state for emergency funding for road repairs.
All counties also signed emergency proclamations in advance of the storm, which allow them to access state and federal funds more efficiently.
Specific federal funding requests will be contingent upon damage assessments, which are still being carried out.
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