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FEMA has approved nearly $7.6 million in disaster recovery and hazard mitigation funding for Hawaii, including money for emergency measures following the 2023 wildfires and projects aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from future disasters.
The funding includes more than $1.3 million in Public Assistance grants for Hawaii and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Public Assistance funds reimburse state and local governments and other eligible organizations for disaster-related costs, including emergency protective measures, infrastructure repairs and restoration of public facilities.
For Hawaii, the funding includes more than $1.1 million for the Maui County Department of Water Supply for emergency protective measures related to the wildfires.
FEMA is also awarding more than $6.8 million through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for projects in Hawaii and Nevada that are intended to reduce the risk of future disaster damage.
Hawaii will receive more than $4.6 million for the REHAB Hospital to install an emergency power system with a 700-kilowatt backup generator at the facility in Honolulu.
The state will also receive $1 million for the Hawaii Transportation Network Vulnerable Analysis, a statewide initiative that will use geographic information system technology and open-source tools to assess the vulnerability of critical transportation infrastructure to hazards including hurricanes, floods, landslides and tsunamis.
FEMA said the mitigation program supports projects such as acquiring properties in hazard-prone areas, improving drainage and flood protection, strengthening building codes, constructing safe rooms and upgrading utilities and infrastructure.
The latest awards are part of FEMA’s ongoing disaster recovery and mitigation funding for communities affected by hurricanes, severe storms, wildfires and other natural disasters.