FEMA AFFIRMS PRESIDENTIAL MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR HAWAI‘I
News Release from Office of the Governor, April 15, 2026
HONOLULU – Following the statement released by Governor Josh Green April 8, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 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.
The declaration authorizes federal assistance to support response and recovery efforts for the City and County of Honolulu, Hawai‘i county and Maui county. FEMA will provide PA to reimburse state and county governments for emergency response and infrastructure repairs.
Federal funding is now accessible for state and eligible local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, to assist with emergency efforts and repair facilities damaged by the recent severe storms. The City and County of Honolulu, Hawai‘i county and Maui county are currently in the process of securing these vital resources to aid in their recovery efforts.
Individuals and families who sustained losses in 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. Registration is free and survivors should apply as soon as possible. The deadline for applications will be June 7, 2026; applications can be updated with additional information if the situation changes.
“This Major Disaster Declaration is a critical step forward for Hawaiʻi as we recover from the devastating impacts of the Kona Low storms,” said Governor Green. “I’m grateful to the President and FEMA for acting quickly to approve our request because it immediately unlocks the federal resources we need to support response and long-term recovery in our state.”
“This declaration allows us to expand operations and bring critical federal resources into Hawaiʻi at a pivotal time,” said Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator James Barros. “We are working closely with county, state and federal partners to ensure support reaches the communities that need it most. Recovery will take time, but this is a major step forward in getting help where it’s needed.”
Residents can continue to access state support and recovery information through Aloha United Way 211 and ready.hawaii.gov. By calling 211, individuals can be connected to housing assistance, food support and disaster case management services. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as recovery efforts continue.
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President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii
News Release HQ-26-045 from FEMA, April 15, 2026
WASHINGTON -- FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Hawaii to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred March 10-24, 2026.
The President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the City and County of Honolulu, as well as Hawaii and Maui counties. 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.
Federal funding is also available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides, limited to Categories C-F, in the City and County of Honolulu, as well as Hawaii and Maui counties.
Andrew F. Grant 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 warranted by the results of damage assessments.
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GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION APPROVAL FOR HAWAIʻI
News Release from Office of the Governor, April 8, 2026
HONOLULU – The following statement about Presidential Disaster Declaration approval for the Hawaiʻi Kona Low storms is attributable to Governor Josh Green:
“I spoke with the Secretary of Homeland Security today and he shared with me that the President has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaiʻi following the recent Kona Low storms.
We’ve been awarded initial federal support to help with response and early recovery efforts. This is an important first step.
As Governor, I am grateful to the President and FEMA for this critical help.
Being recognized as a major disaster is significant because it opens the door for additional federal resources and establishes a shared responsibility between the state and federal government to support our communities throughout our recovery.
The recovery from this storm will be long and difficult and will require constant collaboration with the counties and the federal administration — and I am confident that as with other recent disasters, we will benefit from the aloha we share for each other and our collaborative approach with anyone who can offer assistance.
We will continue to move with urgency to get help to those who need it most.”