ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lava that flowed down a driveway stops short of destroying a home inside Leilani Estates, Friday, in Pahoa. Lava from Kilauea volcano destroyed hundreds of homes and overtook two oceanfront communities this past summer.
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Following a tumultuous run of storms, wildfires and eruptive volcanic activity, state legislators are bracing for a series of requests and proposals to help fund disaster-recovery efforts across the state.
Hawaii County officials have asked the Legislature to convene a special session to address funding for recovery efforts related to the Kilauea eruption, according to a news release issued Saturday by the state House. House Majority Leader Della Belatti indicated that such a discussion should be more inclusive of other recovery efforts, including those related to wildfires on Maui, flooding from Tropical Storm Olivia and storm-related damage from Hurricane Lane.
“House legislators are generally supportive of the county’s recovery efforts, but there are still many questions about specific funding requests and legislative proposals,” she stated in the release. “In addition, several natural disasters have affected communities statewide and decisions about funding for recovery can occur during the regular session.
“It is important for the Legislature to assess the statewide impact of natural disasters affecting the state and not to view the volcanic eruption on Hawaii island in isolation of the recovery needs on all islands,” she said.
Some $335 million, including $22 million for emergency response operational support up to 2020, is needed for “priority recovery expenses” from the Kilauea eruption, according to Hawaii County. Overall recovery costs are estimated at $854 million, including emergency response operational support through 2023, infrastructure projects, recovery planning and implementation studies.
House legislators have encouraged Hawaii County to further refine its recovery plans to identify specific needs, to work with Gov. David Ige to identify funds that can be used for immediate recovery needs and coordinate with Hawaii’s federal delegation to apply for anticipated federal disaster relief, according to the release.