Federal disaster aid on the way as Hawaii faces more storm, wildfire risks

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii will receive federal disaster recovery funding following Hurricanes Lala and Lowell after President Donald Trump approved two major disaster declarations, Governor Josh Green announced Thursday.

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The declarations make funding available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance program to help cover eligible recovery costs in Honolulu, Hawaii and Maui counties following Hurricane Lala, and in Kauai and Maui counties following Hurricane Lowell.

Under the declarations, FEMA will cover at least a big chunk of eligible costs, with the state and counties responsible for the remaining costs.

“We will get at least a 75%-25% split on the big damage that we had from those storms,” Green said. “We fought hard for that and I’m grateful for the approvals.”

The funding can help reimburse eligible expenses, including National Guard deployments, debris removal and repairs to damaged public infrastructure and facilities. Eligible nonprofit organizations may also qualify for assistance.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency will work with the counties to document recovery costs and submit requests to FEMA for reimbursement, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday.

Former Honolulu Emergency Management Department Director Hiro Toiya has been named the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations.

Green requested an expedited major disaster declaration on Sept. 9 following Hurricane Lowell. The federal government previously approved an emergency declaration after Hurricane Lala on Aug. 25, allowing immediate assistance to protect public health and safety and maintain essential services.

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Additional requests for federal assistance remain pending.

More storm, wildfire risks ahead

While the declarations help move recovery forward, Hawaii is still facing the possibility of more tropical cyclones as hurricane season continues.

Robert Ballard, science and operations officer with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, said strong El Nino conditions can increase the likelihood of late season hurricanes developing through November and, in some cases, into December.

As the islands move into fall and winter, forecasters also expect a shift toward drier conditions, raising concerns about wildfire risk.

“We get into the fall and winter, we are going to see the script flip from wet to dry, and we’re expecting a very dry winter,” Ballard said.

Ocean temperatures associated with El Nino are expected to cool next year as conditions shift toward La Nina.

Officials continue to urge residents to stay prepared for potential weather hazards while Hawaii works to recover from this year’s storms.

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