FEMA Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaiʻi

Federal aid now available for storm response and recovery efforts

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:00am

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with heavy clouds obscuring the horizon and a small structure barely visible in the foreground, conveying the sublime power of the natural disaster that impacted Hawaiʻi.The overwhelming scale of the Kona Low storms that recently struck Hawaiʻi is captured in this dramatic landscape, underscoring the need for federal disaster assistance to aid in the state's recovery.Honolulu Today

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that President Trump has approved a Major Disaster Declaration to provide Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance (PA) for the state of Hawaiʻi following the severe Kona Low storms. The declaration authorizes federal assistance to support response and recovery efforts for the City and County of Honolulu, Hawai'i county and Maui county.

Why it matters

This declaration unlocks critical federal resources and funding to help state and local governments, as well as eligible nonprofits, cover the costs of emergency response and infrastructure repairs in the aftermath of the devastating Kona Low storms. It also provides direct assistance to individuals and families who sustained losses.

The details

FEMA will provide PA to reimburse state and county governments for emergency response and infrastructure repairs. Federal funding is now accessible for state and eligible local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, to assist with emergency efforts and repair facilities damaged by the recent severe storms. Individuals and families who sustained losses in designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for FEMA assistance online, by phone, or through the FEMA App.

  • The Major Disaster Declaration was approved on April 16, 2026.
  • The deadline for individuals to apply for FEMA assistance is June 7, 2026.

The players

FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a federal agency responsible for coordinating the response to disasters that overwhelm the resources of state and local authorities.

President Trump

The President of the United States, who approved the Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaiʻi.

Aloha United Way 211

A free, confidential referral and information helpline that connects Hawaiʻi residents to housing assistance, food support, and disaster case management services.

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What’s next

Residents can continue to access state support and recovery information through Aloha United Way 211 and ready.hawaii.gov.

The takeaway

This Major Disaster Declaration is a crucial step in providing the necessary federal resources and assistance to help Hawaiʻi communities recover from the devastating Kona Low storms. It will ensure that state and local governments, as well as individuals and families, have the support they need to rebuild and return to normalcy.