HONOLULU (Island News) — A Presidential Disaster Declaration was approved on Wednesday to prepare Hawaii as a storm system approaches, which provides the state with crucial federal resources.
President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide the state with critical support as stormy weather is expected to hit the islands on Thursday night, April 9, 2026, into Friday, April 10. The heavy rain has put the islands under a flood watch which lasts until Friday afternoon.
The Presidential Disaster Declaration follows the last two Kona Low storms that impacted the islands with record-breaking rainfall and flooding on the weeks of March 13 and March 20.
Governor Josh Green released the following statement about the declaration:
I spoke with the Secretary of Homeland Security today and he shared with me that the President has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii following the recent Kona Low storms.
We’ve been awarded initial federal support to help with response and early recovery efforts. This is an important first step.
As Governor, I am grateful to the President and FEMA for this critical help.
Being recognized as a major disaster is significant because it opens the door for additional federal resources and establishes a shared responsibility between the state and federal government to support our communities throughout our recovery.
The recovery from this storm will be long and difficult and will require constant collaboration with the counties and the federal administration — and I am confident that as with other recent disasters, we will benefit from the aloha we share for each other and our collaborative approach with anyone who can offer assistance.
We will continue to move with urgency to get help to those who need it most.
