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Biden approves federal disaster declaration in wake of severe December storm

Sophia McCullough
/
HPR

President Joe Biden granted Hawaiʻi’s request Tuesday for a disaster declaration in the wake of severe storms that tore through parts of the state late last year.

A powerful Kona low weather system brought heavy rains, flooding, high winds and landslides to the state in December.

Oʻahu and Maui were hit the hardest, with power knocked out and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency, and asked the federal government for a presidential declaration disaster to help with recovery efforts.

Biden obliged, and now the state will be able to access federal funds to assist with repair work on facilities damaged in the storm, as well as measures to deal with potential future hazards caused by it.

In January, Ige secured low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help homeowners and businesses impacted by the severe weather.

Scott Kim was a news editor at Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
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