Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces FEMA Disaster Declaration for State of Hawai"i

Press Release

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced that President Obama has issued a Federal Disaster Declaration for the State of Hawaiʻi, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to move forward with releasing federal dollars to assist people in Hawaiʻi to recover from the devastation of Tropical Storm Iselle.

"The President's decision to issue a Federal Disaster Declaration in the wake of Tropical Storm Iselle is very good news for the people of Hawaiʻi Island," said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. "Last month, I visited Puna to get a firsthand look at the storm's destruction and heard from hundreds of residents seeking assistance. I inspected homes with FEMA and it was clear that the extent of the damage necessitated federal assistance. I extend my sincere gratitude to the county, state, and federal stakeholders who have worked to ensure that the people of Puna would not be forgotten, and I'm proud of what we have accomplished together. Our residents deserve this much-needed help."

The President's Federal Disaster Declaration triggers the release of federal funds that will cover emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities in both Hawaiʻi and Maui Counties. It also covers hazard mitigation assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future natural hazards throughout the state.

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