The Hawaii Tribune-Herald has this story on the federal government rejecting Hawaii’s plea for storm relief:

The State’s request for a major disaster declaration due to Tropical Storm Iselle was denied today by Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator W. Craig Fugate, according to a statement by Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, formerly state Civil Defense.

Administrator Fugate’s denial letter states: “It has been determined that the damage from this event was not of such severity and magnitude to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies.”

The request sought assistance for individuals and households affected by the tropical storm in early August and hazard mitigation funds for use in statewide projects.

People still in need of assistance following Iselle should call Hawaii County at 935-0031 or the volunteer request line at 464-3175.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie holds news conference at the Nanawale Community Center in the Puna area, Aug. 13, 2014.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat

The Hawaii governor’s office and Office of Attorney General are reviewing FEMA’s rejection letter. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has 30 days to appeal FEMA’s decision.

Our media partner KITV reports, “Hawaii Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Shelly Kunishige says the state is disappointed but it’s still possible FEMA will help with public infrastructure damage.”

Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz wrote letters to Fugate and President Barack Obama supporting the state’s request for a major disaster declaration.

“Tropical Storm Iselle caused strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, high surf, storm surge, and lightning, which resulted in damages reported across all four counties in the State of Hawaii,” Senator Schatz wrote. “Hawaii County has a majority of the damages where it experienced loss of power and a lack of access to water. Hawaii County also has widespread debris that made it difficult for residents to access emergency services. Furthermore, preliminary damage assessments estimate that the total loss and damage to the island of Hawaii in agriculture and commodities is $66 million. With all available state and local level resources being used, federal assistance is needed to support our communities’ recovery.”

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has also advocated for federal relief.

“I’m urging FEMA, Hawaii County, the governor, and President Obama to expedite the process of declaring Iselle’s devastation a natural disaster so that the people of Puna can receive immediate help,” Gabbard said Aug. 18. “I’ve met with residents who have lost everything, and though they’ve shown strength, resiliency, and compassion for their neighbors, many families in Puna are looking for federal assistance to start putting their lives back together after this overwhelming storm.”