President approves Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaiʻi following M-6.0 earthquake in May 2026

FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Hawaiʻi to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the 6.0 earthquake reported on May 22, 2026 in the Hōnaunau-Nāpōʻopoʻo of Hawaiʻi Island.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory interpreted the temblor being related to Pacific Plate flexure and not magma movement within Mauna Loa. The quake set a record for having the most “Felt Reports” in Hawaiʻi, with more than 7,000 people from throughout all Hawaiian Islands submitting “Did You Feel It?” reports to US Geological Survey, including a report from Niʻihau. Damage assessments were conducted in June to determine the extent of impacts to homes, infrastructure and essential community systems.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Hawaiʻi county. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and families recover from the effects of the disaster. 

Individuals and families who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.

Hirokazu Toiya has been named the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected areas. Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.