Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Announces Federal Major Disaster Declaration For May 22 Kona Earthquake

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

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JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

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GOVERNOR GREEN ANNOUNCES FEDERAL MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION FOR MAY 22 KONA EARTHQUAKE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2026

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green announced that President Donald Trump has approved his request for a major disaster declaration following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck the Kona region of Hawaiʻi Island on May 22, 2026.

The declaration, designated FEMA-4936-DR, makes federal Individual Assistance available to eligible Hawaiʻi County residents who sustained earthquake-related damage or losses.

"Mahalo to President Trump and our federal partners for approving this critical assistance," said Governor Green. "Many families are still dealing with significant damage to their homes, water-catchment systems and property. This declaration will provide resources to help our residents recover and rebuild."

Depending on individual circumstances, FEMA assistance may include:

• Temporary housing assistance for homeowners and renters who cannot remain in their homes because of earthquake damage.
• Basic repairs needed to make a primary residence safe, sanitary and functional.
• Repair or replacement of damaged components of residential water-catchment systems.
• Assistance with essential disaster-related expenses, including personal property, transportation and certain medical, dental or child care costs.

"This declaration opens the door to critical federal assistance for Hawaiʻi County residents whose homes and essential systems were damaged by the May 22 earthquake," said Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Lopez. "We are working closely with FEMA, Hawaiʻi County and community partners to help survivors understand their options and apply for support. We encourage residents to document their losses, contact their insurance providers and apply before the Nov. 1 deadline, even if they are unsure whether they qualify."

Residents with homeowners or renters insurance should file a claim with their insurance providers as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate assistance for losses covered by insurance, but residents may qualify for assistance with eligible expenses not fully covered by their policies.

Applications for FEMA assistance are free and may be submitted:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Through the FEMA mobile app.
• By calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Operators are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST. Translation and interpretation services are available.

Applicants should be prepared to provide photographs or videos of earthquake damage and retain receipts and other documents related to repairs and disaster expenses.

Homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations may also qualify for long-term, low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Applications may be submitted through the MySBA Loan Portal. For assistance, call 1-800-659-2955 or email [email protected].

The state and Hawaiʻi County will open Local Recovery Centers where residents can receive in-person assistance from FEMA and SBA representatives. Dates, hours and locations will be posted at ready.hawaii.gov.

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance related to the Kona earthquake is Nov. 1, 2026.

This declaration applies specifically to the May 22 earthquake and is separate from federal and state response and recovery efforts related to Tropical Cyclone Lala.

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