Presidential Disaster Declaration Approved After Maui Flood at ʻĪao

Maui Now image. Background photo credit: Kainoa Horcajo.

President Barack Obama today declared a federal disaster following heavy rains and flooding that resulted in millions in dollars in damage to ʻĪao Valley on Maui.

Federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Hawaiʻi to supplement state and local recovery efforts for the period of Sept. 11-14, 2016.

FEMA officials say the President’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations “on a cost-sharing basis.”  This is for assistance with emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in Maui County.

According to FEMA, federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Dr. Ahsha Tribble has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Authorities say additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for the State of Hawaii.

Assistance for the State and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

• Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health. Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
• Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas, and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
• Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.