FEDERAL OFFICIALS DETERMINE SEVERITY, MAGNITUDE OF ISELLE’S IMPACT DO NOT MEET PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION CRITERIA

News Release from Hawaii Department of Defense, August 28, 2014

HONOLULU – The State of Hawaii’s request for a major disaster declaration due to Tropical Storm Iselle was denied today by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate. The request sought Individual Assistance for individuals and households affected by the tropical storm in early August and Hazard Mitigation funds for use in statewide projects.

Administrator Fugate’s denial letter states: “it has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies.”

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly known as State Civil Defense, continues to work with federal and county officials on an application for assistance to rebuild public infrastructure.

People still in need of assistance following Iselle should call Hawaii County at (808) 935-0031 or the volunteer request line at (808) 936-2268.

The American Red Cross and the Hawaii State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters continues to take donations to help those affected by Iselle. Donations can be made through the following channels:

American Red Cross (Hawaii Chapter)

Phone: (808) 734-2101

http://www.redcross.org/hi/honolulu

Hawaii State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters

Hurricane Iselle Long-Term Relief and Recovery Fund

Iselle donations may be dropped off at any American Savings Bank.

https://hivoad.communityos.org/cms/contact_hi

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JOINT STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO REJECTION OF PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION

News Release from Office of the Governor, August 28, 2014

HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi today issued a joint statement in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to deny the state’s request for “Individual Assistance” for the victims of Tropical Storm Iselle:

“The state and the County of Hawaii are working together to gather sufficient additional information, including socio-economic data, to justify a successful appeal.

“In the meantime, county, state and other federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, are providing support under their own authorities. The state also remains eligible for a declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which will enable qualified individuals and businesses to receive low-interest loans for repairs.”

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