Federal disaster aid approved for Hawaii hurricane recovery
Gov. Josh Green said President Trump approved two Major Disaster Declarations for Hawaii after hurricanes in August and September. The declarations provide FEMA Public Assistance funding on a cost-sharing basis for Honolulu, Hawaii, and Maui counties after Hurricane Lala, and for Kauai and Maui counties after Hurricane Lowell. Green said the state secured at least a 75-25 split for major storm damage.
Governor Josh Green said the federal government approved two major disaster declarations for Hawaii after August and September hurricanes. The first covers Honolulu, Hawaii, and Maui counties for Hurricane Lala, Aug. 14-16. The second covers Kauai and Maui counties for Hurricane Lowell, Sept. 6-9.
FEMA's Public Assistance program will reimburse eligible state, county, and nonprofit costs for debris removal, emergency measures, and repairs to public facilities and infrastructure. Green said the state secured at least a 75-25 cost share for major storm damage, with FEMA covering the larger portion. An earlier emergency declaration followed Hurricane Lala as Tropical Storm Moke approached.
Residents, local governments, and nonprofits in affected counties may benefit as reimbursements help rebuild roads, bridges, public buildings, and utilities. Because the program does not provide direct household aid, individuals with less severe losses may still face gaps unless additional assistance is approved. The declarations could ease fiscal pressure on counties and support recovery, though timing and final details may shape how quickly communities feel relief.