GOVERNOR EXTENDS STATE AID TO VICTIMS OF LATE WINTER AND EARLY SPRING STORMS

For Immediate Release, May 7, 2004

HONOLULU - Governor Linda Lingle has issued a second supplemental proclamation, extending state aid to people whose homes or businesses were damaged by Hawai`i’s Winter storms, which continued into early Spring.   

“Each county within the State of Hawai`i has been subjected to periods of high winds, storm surge, heavy rains and flooding beginning December 7, 2003 and continuing through April 12, 2004 which caused extensive damage to private and public property in the State,” the Governor noted in the second supplemental proclamation.

The Governor’s original proclamation, signed two days before Christmas, covered victims of the December 7 – 8, 2003 floods on O`ahu that damaged businesses and homes in Mapunapuna, Moanalua, Salt Lake and Foster Village.  When high winds, heavy rains, and flooding spread across the state early in the new year, Governor Lingle signed a supplemental proclamation March 1, 2004, making state disaster resources available to those victims.

In the second supplemental proclamation, which she signed today, the Governor pointed to weather-related damage that occurred in all four counties through April 12, 2004. 

“This action not only allow us to help more people who were impacted by the long winter storm season,  it also provides a means for repairing the public infrastructure,” the Governor said.

Infrastructure damage includes mud and rocks that covered a portion of the Hamakua Irrigation Ditch, which supplies water to more than 100 farms and ranches along the Big Island’s Hamakua coast.

Victims of storm damage from December 7, 2003 through April 12, 2004 can apply for state help up to and through July 15, 2004.  For more information call the State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism Hotline at (808) 586-2577.

CONTACT RAY LOVELL, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER STATE CIVIL  (808)733-4300X524 – rlovell@scd.hawaii.gov