News and Media: Disaster 4724

President Biden recently signed a package of spending bills that included the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024. Under this change of law, COFA citizens who were affected by the August wildfires on Maui are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and other federal benefits. Among them are citizens of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

HONOLULU – Citizens of the Freely Associated States, collectively known as COFA citizens, may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance for losses caused by the Aug. 8 wildfires and high winds on Maui.

More than $332 million approved for infrastructure, emergency response projects. HONOLULU – For 67 years, the Lahaina Public Library stood on the site of a former royal taro patch belonging to King Kamehameha III. The wildfires on Maui destroyed the 4,540-square-foot building on Wharf Street.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by emotions, stress or hopelessness? If you are, you’re not alone. Help is available if you’re experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues after the wildfires.

Although FEMA is leasing rental units on Maui to house wildfire survivors, the FEMA Direct Lease program is rejecting properties that illegally force tenants out so landlords could gain higher rents from the FEMA program.