The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that President Trump 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.

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 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.

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.

Photo credit: State of Hawaiʻi