Hana Residents Asked to Report Storm Damage

Hana storm damage. Courtesy photo by Jun Pua.

By Wendy Osher

Residents whose property, home or business sustained damage during severe weather between March 3-11, 2012, are asked to report the damage to State Civil Defense.  This includes damage from the thunderstorm that ravaged roads and roof tops in Hana on March 9, 2012.

The state needs an accurate account of disaster damage to determine whether or not the Hawai’i meets criteria thresholds for supplemental federal disaster assistance.

Damage should be reported to the State’s toll free number: 855-211-7456, extension 654. Residents are asked to call even if they’ve already made a damage report to county officials or a non-governmental organization.

The state notes that different organizations have different disaster damage criteria.

Reporting damage does not guarantee financial aid for repairs, but it does allow state officials to determine if funding is available.

Photo documentation of damages is recommended, including: flood water level, blown roofs, lightning damage.

Telephone calls to the toll free number will be monitored by State Civil Defense staff. If the line is busy or is not picked up, individuals area asked to leave a message including name, phone number, and island, so damage assessors can return calls.