$61M Allotted to Rebuild Roads Damaged in 2018 Kīlauea Eruption

USGS photo by M. Patrick.

Sens. Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Hawaiʻi County Department of Public Works $61 million to repair roads damaged during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

“Hawai‘i Island is still recovering from the eruption of Kīlauea, and this new federal funding will be a big help,” Schatz said in a press release.

A portion of the funds will go to repair Highway 137, Pohoiki Road, Leilani Avenue, Hinalo Street, Lauone Street, Honuaula Street, and Lighthouse Road.

FEMA and the County of Hawaiʻi are engaged in additional discussions with the community to determine which other roads will be repaired using these funds.

“Even as we confront the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, I will continue to advocate for federal assistance that will help those impacted by the eruption work to rebuild their lives and communities,” Hirono said.