Maui Public Assistance Briefing Planned For March Storm

East Maui storm damage, courtesy photo by Karley Kahalehoe.Hana storm damage 3/9/12, courtesy file photo by Karley Kahalehoe.

By Wendy Osher

Federal and state disaster recovery officials have scheduled an applicant briefing for Maui County concerning the Federal Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs.

A presidential disaster declaration following a severe storm in March, made funding available to certain private, nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis in Maui County.

The briefing will take place at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 14th at the county’s emergency operations center in Wailuku.

The severe storm and wet weather from March 3-11, 2012, resulted in flooding and landslides across the state, with significant damage reported in the East Maui community of Hana.

Federal funding may include eligible repairs, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities and parks, and other recreational facilities.

Private, non-profit organizations eligible to receive public assistance funds are those that provide certain services otherwise performed by a government agency.

The grant program offers an opportunity for local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation to reduce the loss of life on a property due to natural disasters.

Representatives of state, county and certain private, nonprofit organizations are encouraged to attend. Additional information can be obtained by calling Suzanne Toguchi, (808) 733-4300 ext. 813.