Federal Aid Unlocked for Hawaiʻi After Severe Kona Low Storms

FEMA approves major disaster declaration to provide individual and public assistance for affected counties.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:22am

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A vast, majestic landscape painting in the style of Caspar David Friedrich, depicting a sweeping, atmospheric scene of a Kona low storm system over the Hawaiian islands. The composition uses deep perspective and dramatic backlighting to capture the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural disaster, with the physical landscape and structures dwarfed by the powerful weather conditions.The federal disaster declaration unlocks critical aid to support Hawaiʻi's recovery from the devastating Kona low storms that ravaged the islands.Hawaiian Beaches Today

Following the devastating Kona low storms that caused widespread flooding and damage in Hawaiʻi, the federal government has approved a major disaster declaration to unlock critical resources and aid the state's recovery efforts. FEMA will provide public assistance to reimburse state and county governments, while individuals and families can apply for individual assistance by the June 7 deadline.

Why it matters

The major disaster declaration is a crucial step that allows the state and affected counties to access federal funding and support for emergency response, infrastructure repairs, and long-term recovery. This aid is essential for communities that sustained significant losses from the severe storms.

The details

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the president has approved a major disaster declaration to provide individual assistance and public assistance for Hawaiʻi County, the City and County of Honolulu, and Maui County. Federal funding is now available for state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, to assist with emergency efforts and facility repairs. Individuals and families who sustained losses can apply for assistance online, by phone, or through the FEMA app.

  • The major disaster declaration was approved on April 15, 2026.
  • The deadline for individuals and families to apply for assistance is June 7, 2026.

The players

Gov. Green

The governor of Hawaiʻi who expressed gratitude for the federal government's quick approval of the disaster declaration.

James Barros

The administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, who stated that the declaration will allow the state to expand operations and bring in critical federal resources.

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What they’re saying

“This major disaster declaration is a critical step forward for Hawaiʻi as we recover from the devastating impacts of the Kona Low storms. I'm grateful to the president and FEMA for acting quickly to approve our request because it immediately unlocks the federal resources we need to support response and long-term recovery in our state.”

— Gov. Green

“This declaration allows us to expand operations and bring critical federal resources into Hawaiʻi at a pivotal time. We are working closely with county, state, and federal partners to ensure support reaches the communities that need it most. Recovery will take time, but this is a major step forward in getting help where it's needed.”

— James Barros, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator

What’s next

Residents are encouraged to apply for assistance by the June 7 deadline to gain access to essential support and resources. They can also continue to access state support and recovery information through Aloha United Way at 211 and ready.hawaii.gov.

The takeaway

The federal disaster declaration is a critical step in Hawaiʻi's recovery efforts, unlocking vital resources and support for communities impacted by the severe Kona low storms. This aid will be crucial in helping the state and affected counties rebuild infrastructure, provide emergency response, and assist individuals and families in need.