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Trump approves Hawaii disaster declaration for Lane recovery

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COURTESY TRACEY NIMI

Hilo Bayfront flooded after Hurricane Lane dumped heavy rain over several days last month. President Donald Trump today approved a disaster declaration for the state in the aftermath Hurricane Lane.

President Donald Trump today approved a disaster declaration for Hawaii after Hurricane Lane dumped torrential rain on parts of the islands in August.

Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the state of Hawaii, and ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Lane from Aug. 22 to 29, according to a White House news release.

The declaration makes federal funding available to state and local governments, as well as some nonprofits, for emergency work and for repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Lane in Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties. Federal funding is also available in the form of grants for hazard mitigation measures statewide, the White House said.

Dolph A. Diemont will serve as the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations in Hawaii.

Gov. David Ige formally requested the presidential disaster declaration on Aug. 22, as Hurricane Lane approached the islands.

“The approval of our Presidential Disaster Declaration request will help our state recover more efficiently and quickly from the effects of Hurricane Lane,” said Gov. David Ige in a news release. “We thank President Trump and FEMA for approving our request, and for the attention they have given our state as we’ve faced a series of challenges over the last few months. We are grateful for their support as we continue our work to keep our residents and visitors safe.”

The state may also request additional designations at a later date following the results of further damage assessments. The governor’s request for individual assistance is still under review.

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