Washington, D.C. — President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has issued a declaration of a major disaster in the State of Hawaii, authorizing Federal assistance to augment state and local recovery efforts in response to the wildfires that commenced on August 8, 2023, and continue to impact the region.
The President’s decision unlocks Federal funding aimed at providing support to affected individuals within Maui County, where the wildfires have left a trail of devastation. The assistance package encompasses a range of aid, including grants to assist with temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover property losses that were not insured, and other tailored programs designed to facilitate the recovery of individuals and business owners grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
In addition to aiding individuals, Federal funds will be extended to eligible state and local governments, as well as specific private nonprofit organizations, operating under a cost-sharing framework. This funding will be directed towards initiatives like debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County, while Hawaii County will also benefit from assistance allocated for emergency protective measures.
Furthermore, the Federal support extends to hazard mitigation measures on a cost-sharing basis, contributing to efforts aimed at minimizing future risks posed by similar disasters throughout the state.
Heading the Federal recovery operations in the affected regions is Mr. Maona N. Ngwira, who has been appointed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As damage assessments are ongoing, additional forms of assistance may be designated once a comprehensive evaluation of the extent of the disaster’s impact is concluded.
Residents and business owners residing in the designated areas are encouraged to initiate their application for assistance via www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by utilizing the FEMA App. Additionally, assistance can be sought by contacting FEMA through the helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For individuals relying on relay services, such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, FEMA can be reached by providing the corresponding service number.
President Biden’s disaster declaration underscores the Administration’s commitment to promptly addressing emergencies, providing essential aid, and facilitating recovery efforts for communities struck by natural disasters. As the recovery process unfolds, Federal support will play a pivotal role in helping affected individuals and communities to rebuild and regain their footing.
