Governor’s request for Presidential Disaster Declaration for Puna lava flow approved

PAHOA, HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) – In response to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s Oct. 24 request for federal aid to supplement local emergency protective measures in response to the June 27th lava flow, President Barack Obama today signed a Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance.This will provide federal funding for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities between September 4, 2014.It also qualifies Hawaii County for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program — which provides assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long term risk to life and property from natural hazards. Governor Abercrombie made the request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration asking for federal assistance to supplement local emergency protective measures in response to the ongoing Puna Lava Flow on October 24, 2014.The emergency protective measures undertaken by Hawaii County include the repair, restoration, and re-establishment of alternate routes in and out of affected communities. State efforts include measures to accommodate approximately 900 schoolchildren that will be displaced by the lava flow, and support to county requests for additional air quality monitoring.