Kīlauea Disaster Recovery Center to Close on Aug. 8 Due to Hurricane Threat

PC: Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency

The joint federal/state/county disaster recovery center assisting residents with the Kīlauea eruption recovery will be closed on Wednesday, Aug. 8, due to the threat posed by Hurricane Hector.

Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency said the Disaster Recovery Center at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility would close at 6 p.m. Tuesday, and that they would re-evaluate conditions on Thursday morning to determine if it was safe to re-open.

Island residents or businesses who suffered damage or losses as the result of the eruption have until Monday, Aug. 13, to register for assistance with FEMA or the US Small Business Administration.

Disaster assistance can include FEMA grants for temporary housing, home repairs and replacement, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration. These loans are available to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recovery.

Residents in the areas that could potentially be affected by Hurricane Hector should follow the direction of state and local officials. If directed to evacuate, do so or be prepared to shelter in place. Residents are encouraged to continue to monitor local radio, TV stations or official social media accounts for updated emergency information.

Survivors may also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.