Via press release from the White House:
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.
The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Maui County.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for debris removal and emergency protective measures in Maui County, and assistance for emergency protective measures for Hawaii County.
Lastly, Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Mr. Maona N. Ngwira of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Damage assessments are continuing, and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.
President Biden says a major disaster declaration has been approved for the devastating wildfires on Hawaii’s island of Maui that have claimed at least 36 lives and destroyed more than 270 structures. https://t.co/jrJJ1naODU pic.twitter.com/vlqVhBKJgy
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 10, 2023
