FEMA denies Iselle disaster declaration
Federal Emergency Management Administrator W. Craig Fugate denied the state’s request for a major disaster declaration due to Tropical Storm Iselle, state Civil Defense announced today.
The request sought individual assistance for individuals and households affected by the tropical storm, which made landfall on Hawaii Island on Aug. 8, and also hazard mitigation funds for use in statewide projects.
“It has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies,” the letter from Fugate states.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, formerly known as State Civil Defense, continues to work with federal and county officials on an application for assistance to rebuild public infrastructure.
There was no immediate comment from Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office.
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The Associated Press contributed to this story.