2021 Kona low

Teams deployed in Maui County to assess private property damage from ‘Kona Low’ storm

HONOLULU – Teams of state, county and federal workers will return to Maui Tuesday to examine private property damage caused by the “Kona low” weather system that dumped more than 20 inches of rain on areas of Hawaiʻi in December of 2021.

Organized by the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), the teams are expected to visit different sites on Maui County than they viewed during a Dec. 20 assessment targeting damaged highways and other public property.

These preliminary assessments help state, county, and federal leaders determine if the storm caused enough damage to meet the requirements for a federal disaster declaration. On February 15, 2022, the Biden Administration declared that a major disaster existed in the state following the Kona low system, allowing access to federal funding for certain repairs and replacements.

This process takes time and there is no guarantee that government financial assistance will be made available. Data collection and review will continue in the weeks ahead.

“Recovery from the recent storm is ongoing and takes the continuing cooperation of our whole community as we assess the storm’s impact,” said Luke Meyers, Administrator of HI-EMA.

“We are grateful for all the support and coordination across agencies,” he added.

Preliminary damage assessments of public property in Maui County and the City and County of Honolulu were conducted in December as a result of the “Kona low,” which brought high winds and surf, flooding, and landslides to the islands over several days starting Dec. 4, 2021

HI-EMA continues to urge residents to document their damage with photos/video and contact their insurance agency if they haven’t already done so.

Additionally, each County has on-line tools to report residential and business damage. These forms are used only to collect information that will help local officials understand the damage that occurred and impacts on the community; they are not applications for assistance.

This most recent severe weather is a reminder that disasters can strike at any time, Meyers said, adding that it is vital to know your hazards and be prepared.

For more information visit ready.hawaii.gov

– 2022 Spring Pupukahi pp. 2