President Donald Trump approved major disaster declarations for Hawai‘i to aid in the recovery from both hurricanes Lowell and Lala.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday that its Public Assistance Program will be available for storm recovery projects in Hawai‘i. The declaration for Hurricane Lala will apply to recovery projects on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and Maui, while the Hurricane Lowell declaration will apply to efforts in Maui and Kaua‘i counties.
Gov. Josh Green announced Thursday that FEMA and the state will divide recovery costs with “at least a 75%-25% split,” with the federal agency providing the greater percentage of the funds.
“We fought hard for that and I’m grateful for the approvals because people around the state have worked very hard toward recovery from our multiple disasters this year,” Green said. “These declarations ensure that federal disaster recovery dollars can begin flowing to Hawaiʻi and that critical resources are being made available to support affected communities.”
The funds from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program can be used to reimburse expenses for projects such as debris removal or repairs to public facilities. They can also be awarded to eligible nonprofits for their own related projects. Projects eligible for reimbursement must exceed a minimum threshold cost based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index.
In September, Green estimated that Lowell inflicted about $112 million of damage to the state, including about $93 million of public infrastructure damage on Kaua‘i. Hurricane Lala, meanwhile, was estimated to cause about $108 million in damage statewide, including $12.5 million to public school facilities alone.
The major disaster declarations are in addition to a Presidential Emergency Declaration Trump granted in August for Hurricane Lala, which also made FEMA funding available for immediate disaster response efforts at a 75%-25% split. Trump also granted an Emergency Declaration for Tropical Storm Nolo in September.
Green’s office added that further requests for FEMA funds remain pending.
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