HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green announced April 8, 2026, that President Trump had approved a presidential disaster declaration for Hawaii following severe flooding that caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure across the state.
The declaration makes federal assistance available to affected residents, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as Public Assistance for local governments to repair or replace damaged public facilities.
Hawaii has experienced an increase in severe weather events in recent years, with flooding and landslides posing particular challenges for the state's restoration industry. The island geography creates unique logistical challenges for contractors mobilizing equipment and personnel.
Restoration professionals operating in Hawaii noted that the declaration would help address a backlog of unmet repair needs, particularly in communities where homeowners had been unable to afford repairs following previous storm events.
FEMA's Individual Assistance program provides direct support to disaster survivors, while the Public Assistance program helps governments and nonprofits rebuild public infrastructure. Both programs were activated under the Hawaii declaration.
