To aid in Hurricane Lane recovery, governor seeks presidential disaster declaration

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The governor has asked President Trump to declare a major disaster for the state in the wake of Hurricane Lane.

While the cyclone didn't make landfall in the islands, it did bring record rainfall, widespread flooding and contributed to massive wildfires on Maui that destroyed more than 20 homes.

"The magnitude and severity of the disaster requires federal assistance," Gov David Ige said, in a news release. "This exceeds the state's response capability and it has impacted local governments."

The storm impacted the state from Aug. 22 to Aug. 29, dropping more than 52 inches of rain in Mountain View and 38 inches in Pahoa.

Assessment teams determined that 211 homes on Maui and the Big Island sustained some type of damage.

Twenty-five homes on Maui were destroyed, while 29 on the Big Island sustained major damage. There was no immediate total of the number of homes affected on Kauai by torrential rains and flooding.

In his request for a disaster declaration, the governor asked the president to approve individual assistance to affected families along with disaster grants to counties and businesses.

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