#Federal Aid

At the President’s direction, federal disaster assistance is now available to help individuals and households recover from the impacts of the Kona Low flooding that occurred March 10–24, 2026. The Major Disaster Declaration authorizes FEMA’s Individual Assistance program for the City and County of Honolulu, as well as Hawaiʻi and Maui counties.  

Following the statement released by Gov. Josh Green April 8, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced that the President of the United States has approved a Major Disaster Declaration to provide Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) for the state of Hawaiʻi following the severe Kona Low storms that caused widespread flooding and damage statewide in March.

Of the 446 applications already filed, 76% are for the first-time homebuyer program, reflecting the impact of the August 2023 wildfires on renters and the ongoing struggle of residents to afford a home in today’s pricey market.

US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called for additional disaster relief funding when Congress returns in November. Speaking on the Senate floor, Schatz stressed the need to provide disaster survivors on Maui and in other disaster-impacted communities with flexible, long-term assistance in the form of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding. The said this will enable them to rebuild their homes and communities as quickly as possible.

In response to the August 2023 Wildfires, Sen. Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 223, urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would allow COFA migrants to benefit from federal emergency aid. 

The US Small Business Administration has approved more than $5M in loans for Hawaiʻi businesses and residents impacted by the Kīlauea eruption and earthquakes.

Governor David Ige’s request for individual assistance for Hawaiʻi County residents who lost their homes and property in the Kīlauea volcanic eruption has been approved.

The county has estimated that since the recent onset of activity in May, the eruption has destroyed about 455 residential dwellings, 192 of which are primary residences.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard meets with residents losing their jobs this year as a result of A&B’s decision to cease sugar operations at HC&S.

Today, the U.S. Department of Labor approved a petition for federal aid that will provide millions of dollars in federal funding for displaced workers at the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company on Maui.

President George W. Bush approved Federal aid to supplement local recovery efforts in Hawaii following storms and flooding that damaged homes in Honolulu and Kauai last month.  The funding covers the period between December 10th and the 16th when heavy rains left millions of dollars in damage to hundreds of homes and businesses. Those who […]