HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-20 Eruption Victims Should Register with FEMA; No Need for County Letter -- press release
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
June 20, 2018
NEWS RELEASE
Eruption-affected Residents Should Register with FEMA; No County Letter
Necessary to Register
Residents who have been affected by the ongoing Puna eruption should register for
individual assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
regardless of whether they have a letter from the County stating their damages or costs
stemming from the disaster.
FEMA does not require a letter from the County in order to register;” according to
Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. “Whether a resident has a letter or not is of no
consequence as to whether a person can register with FEMA.”
The County of Hawai'i may issue letters to residents whose homes have been
destroyed or are not accessible. A copy of that letter can be provided to FEMA,
according to Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Roy Takemoto.
Once a person registers with FEMA, the agency will assess the information provided by
the applicant. If an applicant has a letter from the County attesting that the property is
totally destroyed or is not accessible, the letter may be added to the applicants’ file.
In cases where the home is accessible, FEMA will assign an inspector to coordinate an
inspection with the home owner, to evaluate the extent of the damages and the home’s
habitability. After that, along with the other information in the file, FEMA will make a
determination as to eligibility.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.