Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Strongly Supports Disaster Declaration Appeal and Emergency Proclamation

Statement

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) todayspoke in strong support of the State's appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) decision to deny a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, which would have helped families and businesses on Hawaiʻi Island to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Iselle.

"I support the State's appeal to FEMA's decision to deny assistance to residents of the Puna area in the wake of such a devastating event," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. "It was clear to me during my recent visits to Hawaiʻi Island that assistance is necessary. These facts are reflected in the State's appeal, and it therefore, has my strong support."

This afternoon, Governor Abercrombie declared an emergency proclamation for another natural disaster on Hawaiʻi Island--a lava flow from Kilauea volcano that is less than a mile from Kaohe Homesteads and could reach the community in less than a week if it continues on its current path.

"The governor's emergency proclamation comes at a necessary time when Hawaiʻi Island families are living on the edge, as they face yet another natural disaster," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. "The proclamation will allow the State to assist in relief efforts should the situation worsen and affect the people and property of Kaohe Homesteads. We need to do everything we can to support the people of our communities when disaster strikes."

Source