HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – President Donald Trump approved the federal disaster declaration for Hawaii related to flooding damage caused by last month’s Kona low storms.
The decision ensures federal funding to help cover damage costs and losses from tourism, estimated at $1 billion.
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said Wednesday he spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin about the approval.
“The President will express it with formal documents and probably on social media too,” said Green. “I’m grateful to FEMA and the president for acknowledging Hawaii has these needs. Our people have been hurting.”
Green called the timing “tricky” because Congress and Trump’s administration have not agreed on funding for Homeland Security.
He said he authorized $175 million for the state’s intermediate recovery and expects the legislature to appropriate hundreds of millions more by the conclusion of this year’s legislative session.
“It’s going to be significant, a couple of $100 million at the very least,” said Green. “Then I’ll handle the crisis with the different state reps, senators, and council members throughout the year.”
Green said the state is bracing itself for the third part of the storm since the damage from the first two was significant.
He estimates the state lost $300 million due to the storm’s impact on tourism.
“We need the help and we appreciate the help,” said Green.
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