Gov. Green announces two Major Disaster Declaration approvals to help Hawaiʻi recover

Gov. Josh Green announced that the President of the United States has approved two Major Disaster Declarations (MDD) for Hawaiʻi in the wake of damaging hurricanes in August and September.

Both declarations will provide FEMA Public Assistance program funding on a cost-sharing basis, to supplement recovery efforts in the city and county of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi County and Maui County following Hurricane Lala from Aug. 14-16, 2026, as well as for Kauaʻi and Maui Counties for impacts from Hurricane Lowell, from Sept. 6-9, 2026.

“We will get at least a 75%-25% split on the big damage that we had from those storms,” Green said. “We fought hard for that and I’m grateful for the approvals because people around the state have worked very hard toward recovery from our multiple disasters this year. We also have funding for people who had less damage, but still really struggled and suffered from these storms and we will provide updates on applying for that assistance as details are finalized. These declarations ensure that federal disaster recovery dollars can begin flowing to Hawaiʻi and that critical resources are being made available to support affected communities.”

Governor Green requested the expedited MDD on Sept. 9, immediately following Hurricane Lowell. He had previously obtained a Presidential Emergency Declaration after Hurricane Lala on Aug. 22, for immediate federal assistance to protect public health and safety, as well as to maintain essential services and support communities still recovering from the hurricane as Tropical Storm Moke approached. It was granted on Aug. 25.

FEMA’s Public Assistance covers such things as debris removal, restoration and mitigation of disaster-damaged public facilities and infrastructure, as well as to eligible nonprofit entities. Funding in the form of reimbursements is provided on a 75%-25% basis, with FEMA covering the larger percentage.

Requests for additional assistance are pending with FEMA.