LIHUE — The Kauai County Council approved a request from the county Finance Department Wednesday to apply for, receive and expend Federal Emergency Management Agency funding relating to April’s historic flooding.
The total county expenses for disaster-related costs as of July 13 are $22.6 million.
Ken Shimonishi, county director of finance, outlined project costs and other details.
Two contractors were identified in the Black Pot Beach restoration: Earthworks, with encumbrances of $475,000; and Bowers &Kubota, consulting, with an encumbrance of $144,000.
Council Chairman Mel Rapozo said one of the things that stood out to him was the Kauai Emergency Management Agency reported damaged equipment supplies in the amount of $75,000.
“What did we get damaged? Is that equipment? Did we discuss damage during the flood?” he asked.
KEMA Administrator Elton Ushiro said one of its radio sites was damaged by lightning during the flood, but despite those damages, the site was still usable.
Rapozo asked about the status of reimbursements for community members who were asked by the county to clear debris and complete other tasks during the flood.
“We haven’t received any of those claims,” Rapozo said.
Rapozo said he wants to make sure people who responded to calls for help get reimbursed.
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Bethany Freudenthal, courts, crime and county reporter, can be reached at 652-7891 or bfreudenthal@thegardenisland.com.
