Pacific Storm Disaster Declaration has many components to it have was approving by President Joe Biden for Hawaii on Tuesday. In fact, he has ordered federal aid for flood recovery efforts in Maui and Honolulu counties.

Pacific Storm Disaster Declaration – Local Governments and Private Nonprofit Organizations

There is federal funding which is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations. It is on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities that are damaging by the severe storms, flooding, and also landslides in both counties from December 5th to 10th. This is according to a news release from the White House.

Federal Funding – Mitigation Measures

Also, the declaration does make federal funding available for mitigation measures. It is to prevent or lessen future damage across the state. This is according to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

Intense Storms

“These intense storms have massive impacts across Hawaii, but the damage was really severe in portions of Oahu and Maui,” HI-EMA Administrator Luke Meyers said. “I am gratified that our work with our country partners and the Federal Emergency Management Agency made it clear that this assistance was needing.”

Moreover, governments and private nonprofits can apply for funding through FEMA’s Public Assistance grant program. The eligible projects do include debris removal and road and bridgework. For more information, visit fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_public-assistance-fact-sheet_10-2019_0.pdf.

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program which the declaration authorizes is to reduce or prevent future risk to life and property from hazards throughout Hawaii. Also, for more information, visit fema.gov/grants/mitigation/hazard-mitigation.

Then, last month, the U.S. Small Business Administration did also approve a disaster declaration for the Kona low storms. Then make low-interest loans available to individuals and businesses in Maui, Kalawao, and Honolulu counties.

Also, there was the deadline to apply for property damage is March 29. Moreover, the deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 28. For more information, visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.