Congressman Kahele joined Maui Mayor Michael P. Victorino to assess damages following the March flooding.
Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) issued the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s declaration that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaiʻi and order of federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, flooding and landslides from March 8 to March 18, 2021.
“We are grateful to President Biden for his prompt attention to the needs of the people of Hawaiʻi, in particular, the residents of Maui County,” said Congressman Kahele. “There is much work to do in order for our communities to recover and rebuild from the devastating flooding and landslides that occurred just two months ago. This federal funding will undoubtedly provide much needed assistance in that process. My staff and I will continue to work closely with the Hawaiʻi delegation and with all levels of government to support response efforts across the state.”
Congressman Ed Case offered his support as well:
“I join my House colleague, Congressman Kahele, in welcoming this declaration from the President urged by our Hawaiʻi congressional delegation,” said Congressman Ed Case (HI-01). “The federal assistance it provides is critical for those so hard hit by the March storm. This also comes as Hawaiʻi must prepare once again for hurricane season in our part of the world, and I urge us all to take all necessary steps.”
On March 12th, Hawaiʻi’s congressional delegation called on President Biden in a letter to expedite all federal assistance possible to help communities across the State hardest hit by the torrential rain that caused massive flooding and landslides in Kauaʻi County, Maui County and City & County of Honolulu.
Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, and landslides in Maui County. Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.