Standing strong in the face of natural disasters
Posted on Nov 8, 2022 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Gov. Ige, National Guard and county officials check on earthquake damage in Puna.
The bottom line: Over the past eight years, the Ige administration has responded to 40 emergencies and natural disasters — more than any other governor’s term in Hawai‘i history – from floods and hurricanes to earthquakes and the Kīlauea eruption. With each incident, Hawai‘i learned valuable lessons as communities and agencies helped residents recover. The state continues to plan for the future, including the threats from climate change, utility and system disruption.
The governor confers with Hanalei residents after flood damage.
The Hawai‘i Army and Air National Guard, the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) and teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have joined with other state, county and other federal agencies and private and community sectors to provide support to thousands of residents. HI-EMA has undergone a sweeping reorganization to improve its responsiveness, efficiency and transparency. HI-EMA plays a key role in delivering federal funding for hazard mitigation and recovery grants, including nearly $300 million authorized for active emergencies since 2016.
Read more in the November/December Capitol Connection newsletter.