U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s office today announced her plans to visit the Big Island to check on storm-recovery efforts.

Gabbard also sent a letter to W. Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, requesting immediate assistance “to support Hawaii Island communities devastated by Hurricane Iselle.”

Gabbard’s office said, since last week, the congresswoman “has been monitoring the situation closely and has been in regular contact with authorities at FEMA, Hawaii Civil Defense, local military officials, and Hawaii County leaders, urging their quick response to the needs of the affected Hawaii Island communities.”

Gabbard will join FEMA’s assessment task force on the Big Island Friday as they conduct damage assessments.  

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard congratulates state Rep. Mark Takai, right, on winning the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District race.

Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat

“State and local agencies are working collaboratively toward mitigating the electrical outages, fresh water availability, access to roads and medical needs of our citizens. Hawaii County continues to extend its resources, but much more needs to be done,” Gabbard wrote in her letter to Fugate today.

She continued: “I ask you to be rapid in your response to our natural disaster in Hawaii. We need your help to reduce suffering and restore basic necessities to citizens across this devastated area.”

Civil Beat reported yesterday that Gabbard and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono had no immediate plans to go to Puna. Gabbard’s 2nd Congressional District includes Hawaii County.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who are in a tight contest for the U.S. Senate, say they are in Puna for humanitarian purposes. Perhaps not coincidentally, it is voters in two Puna precincts that will have the chance to cast votes for the candidates, as Iselle forced the closure of the polling sites for the Aug. 9 primary.

Gabbard is also running for office this year but faces the same Republican she easily defeated in 2012.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie, meanwhile, is touring Puna today. He lost his primary race Saturday.