US government to cover cost of Hawaii wildfire debris removal

HONOLULU (Eagle News) – President Joe Biden has authorized an increase to 100% of the total eligible costs for debris removal to supplement ongoing recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hawaii’s devastating wildfires that culminated in Lahaina, West Maui on August 8.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), emergency funds will be authorized to cover 100% of the cost for a continuous 90-day period of the state government’s choosing and within the first six months from the start of the incident period.

The additional federal funding will also be available to assist individuals and business owners, state and local governments, as well as to mitigate various hazardous conditions in the affected areas.

“President Biden’s support, in response to our constant communication with him and his team, as well as requests from Hawaii’s congressional delegation, shows just how steadfast he is in his desire to stand alongside the people of Maui and help in their recovery,” said Hawaii Governor Dr. Josh Green.

For the third time since the August 8 wildfires, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) throughout Hawaii have conducted the Care For Humanity outreach in Maui to assist residents there with basic essentials such as clothing, toiletries, water, and non-perishable food. (Photo by Joshua Galang, Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)

– Residents return to Lahaina –

Residents along Kaniau Road in Lahaina were finally allowed to return their properties on Monday, September 25.

Government officials stated that the first day of reentry went smoothly, with many residents taking advantage of the opportunity to start over and move forward.

“This is an important day for the families of that area and signals the start of our reentry efforts,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “The coordinated effort provided families with an opportunity to go to their property and, for some, have a sense of closure by being there for the first time since the devastating fire.”

Bissen added that his administration will continue to announce other zones deemed safe for reentry access once inspections are completed.

Vehicle passes will be required for all residential vehicles on the first two days of supported access for each zone when it opens for reentry.

Access will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the first two days of re-entry, which are intended to support owners and residents as they visit their homes with the assistance of numerous organizations offering personal protective equipment (PPE), washing stations, water, portable toilets, medical and mental health care, Maui Bus transportation from hotel shelters and language assistance.

Access will be limited to local traffic thereafter.

(Alfred Acenas, Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)