HONOLULU – Government agencies, public institutions and certain private nonprofit organizations such as houses of worship have until Wednesday, Oct. 25, to submit their Requests for Public Assistance funding to the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency for damage caused by the Aug. 8 wildfires.
FEMA’s Public Assistance program reimburses the state, local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for eligible damage-related expenses, including debris removal, emergency protective measures and repair or replacement of public infrastructure. Permanent work projects might include repairs or replacement of schools, water and sewer systems, roads and bridges.
Private nonprofit organizations that provide critical services such as healthcare facilities and utilities can apply directly to FEMA. Other examples of critical services include water, sewer and electrical systems; private schools providing primary or secondary education or institutions of higher education.
To be eligible for FEMA grant assistance, private nonprofit organizations that provide non-critical essential social services, including houses of worship and community centers, must also apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration. You do not need to wait for a decision from SBA to submit a Request for Public Assistance to FEMA through the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. Other examples of non-critical essential services include educational enrichment activities, supervised care and daycare services, residential services for people with disabilities, assisted living and low-income housing, homeless shelters and rehabilitation services, and community and performing arts centers.
Under the Aug. 10 major presidential disaster declaration, Public Assistance funding can be used to pay for debris removal, emergency protective measures and restoration of public infrastructure in Maui County. Hawai‘i County is authorized for funding limited only to emergency protective measures that safeguard life, public health and safety.
Due to the scale and amount of damage caused by the wildfires, federal funds for debris removal in Maui County are authorized at 100% of the total eligible costs for a continuous 180-day period of the state’s choosing. Similarly, federal funds for emergency protective measures are authorized for Maui and Hawai‘i counties at 100% of the total eligible costs for a continuous 90 days of the state’s choosing.
On Sept. 8, the federal share for Public Assistance projects was increased to 90% of total eligible costs, except assistance specifically approved at 100%. The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations.
Applicants who wish to be considered for Public Assistance funding can contact Brian Fisher, the Public Assistance lead for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, by calling 808-518-7985. You may also email Brian.J.Fisher@hawaii.gov or visit Hawai'i Emergency Management Agency | REQUEST FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE (RPA) – State and County.
For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4724. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema.