LIHU‘E — A federal disaster declaration from President Joe Biden was hailed by local and federal lawmakers, who said the decision would bring much needed relief to communities on Kaua‘i impacted by severe weather and flooding in April.
The decision, which was announced on Tuesday evening, sets forth the release of federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation programs. Total funding is not known and is determined based on projects eligible for assistance from FEMA.
“We are incredibly grateful to our federal partners for recognizing the significant damages sustained to our island’s infrastructure as a result of the severe flooding this past April,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in a statement on Tuesday evening.
“Through this crucial support, we remain on course to address needed repairs, rebuild, and enhance our resiliency against future disasters. We thank all partners who continue to work tirelessly during this recovery period, and most of all to our residents and all impacted for their ongoing patience.”
Federal lawmakers from Hawai‘i were appreciative of the Biden administration for moving swiftly.
“FEMA has been a key partner in this process, and we thank the Biden administration for moving fast to approve this disaster declaration,” said Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono and Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda in a joint statement on Tuesday evening. “This declaration will help our state and county governments rebuild and recover.”
The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency will take the lead on the coordination and application process of the federal programs.
“FEMA’s Public Assistance program ensures that the County of Kaua‘i can recover from the immediate impacts of the disaster by funding emergency work and repairs to public infrastructure,” the county said in announcing the disaster declaration.
“In addition, the agency’s funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant aim to prevent future disasters or reduce their impact by investing in long-term resilience projects.”
The disaster declaration stems from a storm that barreled into the island on April 11 and produced roughly 12 inches of rain in some areas over a 12-hour period.
The storm dumped 12.51 inches of rain in Kalaheo, 12.05 inches in North Wailua Ditch, 11.80 inches at Lihu‘e Airport, 11.35 inches in Oma‘o, 11.26 inches in Wailua, 10.59 inches in Po‘ipu and 10.00 inches in Kapahi all between 6 p.m. April 11 and 6 a.m. April 12, the National Weather Service said. Other parts of the island received significant rainfall as well in the 12-hour period.
As a result, Kawakami and Gov. Josh Green signed emergency proclamations, which prompted the American Red Cross to dispatch volunteers and open two shelters during the early hours of April 12.
The Kaua‘i Police Department said water rescues did occur due to rising floodwaters. However, there were no reports of any serious injuries.
