Initial $6M in emergency federal funds approved for Hurricane Lala recovery in Hawaiʻi

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi) today announced that the US Department of Transportation approved an initial $6 million in Emergency Relief “quick release” funds to help Hawaiʻi repair transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala.

The approval follows a call from Schatz to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday, urging quick approval of the federal funding. 

“This will help Hawaiʻi move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet,” said Schatz. “Lala brought devastating flooding, damaged roads and bridges, knocked out power, and left communities isolated. These federal funds will help Hawaiʻi move quickly to clear debris, restore access, and begin making the repairs our roads and highways need.”

The $6 million in “quick release” funding will provide immediate federal assistance as the state continues assessing storm-related transportation damage and carrying out recovery work. Additional federal funding and resources for Hawai‘i are expected in the coming weeks and months.