Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Wednesday formally requested that President Donald Trump issue a major disaster declaration for Kauai and Maui counties after Hurricane Lowell battered the state’s western islands. The appeal follows two storm‑related deaths and extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
Storm impacts on the islands
Lowell brushed the islands overnight on Tuesday, bringing winds that extended far beyond the storm’s center while the eye remained offshore. On Kauai, the powerful gusts ripped through oceanfront resorts and caused a surge that swept a 74‑year‑old man’s body onto the shoreline, a death authorities attribute to the storm surge.
On Oahu, a homeless man living in a park was killed when a large tree fell on his tent during the storm. The governor highlighted this tragedy as part of the broader humanitarian toll.
Lanai’s main cargo port, the primary entry point for food and supplies to the island, was rendered inoperable, threatening the flow of essential goods. The governor warned that without swift federal assistance, residents could face shortages.
Federal aid request
Governor Green’s request to President Trump seeks a major disaster declaration, which would unlock federal resources, including emergency housing, debris removal, and public‑assistance funds. The administration’s rapid response to natural disasters aligns with its commitment to protect families and uphold the Constitution’s guarantee of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
“We need the President’s support to get the help our communities need as quickly as possible,” Green said. “A disaster declaration will allow us to move forward with rebuilding and ensure that families have the resources they need to recover.”
Current status of the storm
Lowell has since been downgraded to a tropical storm and is moving westward over open water, posing no further immediate threat to the Hawaiian Islands. The National Hurricane Center reported that the system continues to track away from land.
In the Pacific, forecasters noted the formation of Tropical Storm Norbert, located about 685 miles southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Norbert is not expected to threaten land in the near term, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
What residents can do
Local officials urge residents to stay informed through official channels, heed any evacuation orders, and prepare emergency kits. Those affected by the disaster can contact the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for assistance and information on available resources.
The governor’s request underscores the importance of federal‑state cooperation in responding to natural disasters, ensuring that families and communities receive the support they need to rebuild and recover.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
