Biden Boosts Disaster Aid For Maui Fire Recovery
The president says federal funding will cover all debris removal and other emergency protective measures.
President Joe Biden on Friday authorized a high level of federal funding for debris removal and other emergency measures resulting from the Aug. 8 wildfires that decimated most of Lahaina and parts of Upcountry Maui.
The federal funds for 100% of the total eligible costs of debris removal for a continuous 180-day period of the state’s choosing within nine months of the disaster. He also approved federal funds for emergency protecive measures that include direct federal assistance at 100% of the total eligible costs for a continuous 90-day period of the state’s choosing between now and February.
Gov. Josh Green requested the additional adjustment ot the cost share for Hawaii’s disaster declaration. The determination was made due to the significant costs Maui County and Hawaii would otherwise bear for emergency protective measures related to sheltering survivors and distributing necessities including food and water as well as debris removal which will likely continue for several months, according to a White House official.
鈥淭his is a significant amount of money,” U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said in a statement Friday. “By covering the full cost of debris removal for at least six months, the federal government will help the state and county save hundreds of millions of dollars.”
The fires killed at least 97 people in Lahaina and destroyed some 2,200 structures, the vast majority homes. In Upcountry, the fires destroyed 19 homes. Thousands of people were displaced as a result.
On Friday, the Maui Police Department released a list of 22 people who have been reported .
Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by a grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.
