Governor Green submitted a formal request to the President of the United States for a Major Disaster Declaration to support statewide recovery efforts, following two consecutive Kona Low storm systems.
The request, submitted under the Stafford Act, reflects the severe and compounding impacts of storms that struck the state beginning March 10 and again on March 19, bringing catastrophic flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and emergency evacuations across multiple islands.
If approved, the declaration would unlock critical federal support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including:
- Public Assistance: Funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and public facilities
- Individual Assistance: Direct support for residents, including housing assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal services
- Hazard Mitigation Funding: Resources to strengthen infrastructure and reduce future disaster risk statewide
- Enhanced federal cost share: Up to 90% federal funding for eligible recovery costs
The storms generated extensive debris — including fallen trees, mudslides and rockfalls — that blocked major highways, isolated communities and disrupted emergency access statewide. Damage assessments indicate losses exceeding $400 million from the first storm alone, with total damages from both events expected to surpass $1 billion.
In response to urgent conditions on the ground, the state is also coordinating with the Hawaiʻi National Guard to support debris removal and clearance operations at Otake Camp on Oʻahu, where evacuations were carried out during rapidly rising floodwaters. Additional Guard support remains active statewide, assisting with recovery and emergency operations.
Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments with FEMA are currently underway across all counties to validate impacts and support the federal review process.
State and county agencies continue coordinated response and recovery operations across impacted areas. The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has been working around the clock to clear roadways of storm debris, including large trees and hazardous materials, helping restore access to critical routes.
Photo credit: Office of Governor Josh Green