Maui, Kauai, to Benefit from $17M in Federal Storm Relief

East Maui flood damage March 9, 2012. File photo courtesy Karley Kahalehoe.

By Wendy Osher

A $17 million federal grant will help the state repair roads and highways damaged by heavy rain, floods, and landslides on Maui and Kauai in late February and early March last year.

The disaster relief grant is being administered by the US Department of Transportation and will help to restore traffic flow, minimize existing damage, protect remaining facilities, and restore highways to pre-disaster conditions.

East Maui flood damage, March 9, 2012. File photo courtesy Kunihi Boeche.

“Last year, Hawaii experienced highly unusual and severe weather, including hail, a tornado, flooding, and landslides,” said US Senator Mazie K. Hirono, who joined fellow congressional delegates from Hawaii, Senator Brian Schatz, and Representative Tulsi Gabbard, in making the funding announcement today.

“Critical roads and infrastructure across the state sustained major damage, and this $17 million in federal assistance will go a long way to fund repairs and help get Hawaii moving again,” said Sen. Hirono.

East Maui flood damage, March 9, 2012. File photo courtesy Karley Kahalehoe.

Sen. Schatz, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation agreed with the need for the funding allocation saying: “Today’s grant of $17 million will serve as much needed assistance for the state of Hawaii to recover from last year’s tornado and hail storms that caused flooding and damage throughout Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Molokai

“This demonstrates the value of teamwork. From President Obama to Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood to the Congressional delegation to the state administration, everyone came through and the result is receiving $17 million for critical transportation needs,” said Sen. Schatz.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard also expressed gratitude for the funding saying, “Kauai and Maui experienced significant hardship following last year’s devastating rains, including destroyed roads, contaminated drinking water, and damaged homes.”

“This $17 million federal grant will be a strong first step toward fixing our highways and getting people back to their normal routines,” said Rep. Gabbard.

East Maui storm damage, March 9, 2012. File photo courtesy Karley Kahalehoe.

East Maui flood damage, March 9, 2012. File photo courtesy Karley Kahalehoe.