Rain-soaked Kauai County to get millions in federal aid

President Barack Obama signed a disaster declaration for Kauai County on Wednesday, making available millions in federal money to repair damage incurred by flooding and landslides on the Garden Isle March 3-11.

"I am grateful that our president recognizes that Hawaii has also had its share of recent severe weather …," said Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who made the request for federal aid.

Up to 17 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period on Kauai, causing flooding and the evacuation of Anahola residents.

Besides assistance for emergency work and the replacement of public facilities on Kauai, the declaration will allow the counties to receive federal grants to take steps to lessen the chances of damage from a disaster.

The Hawaii State Civil Defense said the state qualified for repairs to government infrastructure on Kauai that preliminary assessment identified at $2 million, including $1.2 million to the roads.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by further damage assessments.