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Hawaiʻi Earthquake Recovery

Update: The State of Hawaiʻi has activated a Disaster Case Management Program to connect individuals affected by natural disasters with resources including housing, supplies, financial assistance, insurance help and counseling. Click here to get registered with a disaster case manager that can tailor a recovery plan for you and your ʻohana.

A major disaster declaration was issued on September 1, 2026, for the Kona Earthquake that happened on May 22, 2026, in Hawaiʻi County. FEMA’s major disaster declaration for this event is DR-4936-HI. Click here to visit FEMA’s webpage for this disaster.

Federal Disaster Recovery Checklist

Take photos of your damaged home and damage property for your own records.

Make a list of damaged or lost items that you can refer to when discussing your losses with an insurance agent or FEMA inspector.

Keep receipts for disaster-related expenses like emergency repairs or emergency supplies.

File a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible if you have insurance.

You will need to provide your insurance settlement or denial to FEMA before being considered for certain types of FEMA assistance.

Have the following information ready: Social Security number; annual household income; contact information; bank account information (if you want direct deposit for approved disaster assistance); insurance information including type of policy and name of insurer.

Apply for FEMA disaster assistance. You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA app, over the telephone at 800-621-3362, or by visiting a local recovery center listed at ready.hawaii.gov.

FEMA may verify damage to your home or property through an on-site or remote inspection.

FEMA inspectors record disaster-related damage, but they do not make decisions about whether you will receive disaster assistance.

Find out what to expect at your FEMA home inspection by visiting the FEMA Home Inspections webpage.

FEMA will send you a decision letter explaining assistance you are approved for or not approved for.

If you are approved, you will receive payment via a check from the U.S. Department of the Treasury or direct deposit, based on your chosen method.

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal within 60 days by following appeal instructions in your decision letter or by downloading the appeal form here.

Visit a Community Resource Center

Personnel from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, local government and local non-profits are on Hawaiʻi Island to help you get signed up for assistance and connected with relief resources. Community Resource Centers will be open from September 14 through October 31. Click below for location details.

Location	Days	Hours
Yano Hall 82-6156 Māmalahoa Hwy Captain Cook, HI 96704	Monday through Thursday	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Location	Days	Hours
Hanama Place Suite 101 75-5706 Kuakini Hwy Kailua-Kona, HI 96740	Monday to Saturday	Mon-Fri: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location	Days	Hours
Kealakekua Public Library 81-6619 Māmalahoa Hwy Kealakekua, HI 96750	Friday	Noon – 4 p.m.

Hawaiʻi Earthquake Recovery Links

Hawaiʻi County Earthquake Recovery

FEMA Hawaiʻi Earthquake Disaster Webpage

Call for Help

FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362

Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency: 808-935-0031

Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: 808-733-4300