Additional types of help are currently available at assistance centers for residents who experienced damage caused by the March 2026 Kona low storms.
In addition to representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — who can help with reimbursement for residential damage expenses through the Individual Assistance program — the sites at Kea‘au and Kealakekua also will host:
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) officials, who can assist with low-interest loans for storm damages to businesses, homeowners and renters, and
- Vibrant Hawai‘i representatives, who can connect residents to assistance with other needs.
The County also has arranged for an assistance center to open in Nā‘ālehu effective May 26 through June 12, 2026, to offer similar services.
he deadline to apply for most federal disaster assistance programs for the Kona low storms is June 14, 2026.
Revised schedules for the assistance centers (including Nāʻālehu) are listed below and may be adjusted based on demand for services. All sites will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day and June 11 for King Kamehameha Day:
Hawai‘i State Public Library – Kealakekua
Monday, May 4-Friday, June 12
- Mondays, 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Wednesdays: noon-2 p.m., 3-7 p.m.
- Thursdays: 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Fridays: noon-4 p.m.
Kea’au Armory, Herbert Shipman Park – Kea’au
Monday, May 4-Friday, May 22
- Mondays-Thursdays: noon-7 p.m. (Modified from previous schedule)
- Fridays: 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
Nā‘ālehu Public Library – Na‘alehu
Tuesday, May 26-Friday, June 12
- Mondays, 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Thursdays: 10 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Fridays: Noon-4 p.m.
The assistance centers are operating in addition to the current disaster assistance that residents can apply for, such as agricultural assistance, social services, and non-profit organization support.
For more information on resources available for storm recovery visit the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency website at https://bit.ly/HICivilDefense and follow the “Disaster Recovery” link, or see selected programs listed below.
AP Photo