Hawaii Flood Recovery Update
Public Assistance Briefings Inform Local Governments of Program Assistance
Release Date: May 19, 2006
Release Number: 1640-013
» More Information on Hawaii Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
HONOLULU, Hawaii -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Hawaii State Civil Defense officials continue working in partnership to help Hawaii residents and businesses as they continue their recovery from the severe storms and flooding. This week federal and state officials hosted Public Assistance briefings in Kaua'i and Oahu . Representatives from state and local governments attended to learn about the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program.
The PA program awards grants as reimbursement for projects, such as the implementation of emergency protective measures, debris removal and the repair, replacement or permanent restoration of infrastructure. The PA program reimburses state and local governments, and certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations for work required as a result of the disaster. The program also provides funds for certain hazard mitigation projects, supporting improved structural measures for damaged facilities.
FEMA and the state work with applicants through the process of identifying eligible projects for the program. In the coming weeks potential applicants will request Public Assistance and begin documenting damages from the storms for upcoming projects.
RECOVERY FACTS:
- The City and County of Honolulu and Kaua'i County were designated for federal disaster assistance due to the effects of severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides during February 20 to April 2, 2006.
- $272,697 in grants has been given to those affected by the severe storms .
- 362 individuals have registered for disaster assistance.
- 229 home inspections have been completed by FEMA inspectors. If an applicant submits a disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in most cases the SBA will inspect the damaged property to determine the cost for repair to repair or replace the damaged property.
- 164 people have visited Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Honolulu , Kaaawa and Lihue. DRCs are designed to provide applicants with an opportunity to discuss their needs with representatives from state, federal, and voluntary agencies. SBA is there to issue and accept disaster loan applications from homeowners, renters, businesses and private non profits as well as answer any questions.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 22-May-2006 07:52:10