FEMA approves disaster aid for Hawaiʻi after Hurricanes Lala and Lowell

Federal disaster assistance has been approved for Hawaiʻi following the impacts of Hurricane Lala in August and Hurricane Lowell in September. The major disaster declarations allow FEMA to provide public assistance funding to state and eligible local governments, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations, on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities.

For Hurricane Lala, which affected the city and county of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi County, and Maui County, Hirokazu Toiya has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer. For Hurricane Lowell, which impacted Kauaʻi and Maui counties, Alexandra M. Slous will serve as the Federal Coordinating Officer.

The Hawaiʻi National Guard has officially concluded its recovery operations on Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell. During the mission, more than 300 personnel supported emergency operations, including conducting wide-area searches for missing civilians, clearing debris from transportation routes, and assisting with fire protection at the Kāpule Building. Guard aircrews also facilitated the reopening of Līhuʻe Airport by transporting Transportation Security Administration personnel.