Multiple outlets reported that President Trump has approved two major disaster declarations for Hawaii, unlocking FEMA Public Assistance funding to support recovery from Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Maui County is included under both declarations, making it eligible for federal reimbursement of storm-related costs. The federal government will cover at least 75% of eligible expenses, with the state and counties responsible for the remaining 25%.
- Maui County qualifies for FEMA Public Assistance funding under both the Hurricane Lala and Hurricane Lowell major disaster declarations
- Hurricane Lala struck August 14–16, 2026; Hurricane Lowell impacted September 6–9, 2026
- FEMA will cover at least 75% of eligible recovery costs; the state and counties share the remaining 25%
- Eligible reimbursements include debris removal, repairs to public infrastructure and facilities, and National Guard deployments
- Eligible nonprofit organizations may also qualify for FEMA Public Assistance reimbursements
- Governor Green estimated Hurricane Lowell caused approximately $112 million in statewide damage, including ~$93 million in public infrastructure damage on Kauaʻi, and Hurricane Lala caused ~$108 million statewide, including $12.5 million to public school facilities alone (Alohastatedaily)
- Hawaii Emergency Management Agency will coordinate with counties to document costs and submit FEMA reimbursement requests
- Former Honolulu Emergency Management Department Director Hiro Toiya has been named the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations (Hawaii News Now)
- These declarations are separate from an earlier Presidential Emergency Declaration granted in August for Hurricane Lala and an Emergency Declaration for Tropical Storm Nolo in September (Alohastatedaily)
- Additional federal assistance requests remain pending; details on individual assistance applications are forthcoming
Sources
- Hawaii News Now: Federal disaster aid on the way as Hawaii faces more storm, wildfire risks
- Alohastatedaily: Aloha State Daily | Trump approves FEMA funds for Lowell, Lala recoveries
- Bigislandvideonews: Two Presidential Disaster Declarations Approved For Hurricane Lala, Hurricane Lowell
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