Governor, state mobilize recovery efforts after storm
Posted on Apr 24, 2018 in Featured
The governor surveys flood damage in Hanalei by helicopter. Gov. Ige made available millions in state funds and is taking steps to secure federal disaster relief.
Mayor Carvalho and Governor Ige at a video teleconference on storm damage.
From Hāʻena, Wainiha and Kōloa on Kaua‘i to Waimānalo and Niu Valley on O‘ahu, the scenes are devastating: flooded homes, businesses and farmlands, knee-deep mud and floating debris everywhere. In the hardest hit areas on Kaua‘i, residents and tourists boarded Hawai‘i Air National Guard, Army and county helicopters to evacuate since many places were isolated by landslides and left without electricity and water after the storm.
Governor Ige issued emergency proclamations for Kaua‘i and O‘ahu so state monies can be appropriated for speedy, efficient relief of damages. The governor and Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard Carvalho, along with military and county emergency crews, surveyed heavily damaged areas in the Hanalei area by helicopter immediately after the storm. On O‘ahu, the American Red Cross reported three homes destroyed in Kuliouou and others that sustained major or minor damage in East O‘ahu areas. The governor made $500,000 available immediately for emergency response and another $10 million in transportation funding for roadways.
Aina Haina residents on O’ahu show the governor the aftermath of flooding.
“We are mobilizing state assets to get people the help they need,” said the governor. He said the state is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assess damages. “We have contacted the White House so they can be prepared when we’re ready to request a federal disaster declaration.”