Hawaii Governor Signs Disaster Proclamation in Wake of Storm

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle has signed a state disaster proclamation to aid in recovery of damage caused by heavy rains that hit the islands last week.

The proclamation covers Oahu, Kaui and Maui County.

“We have a great concern for those who have been impacted by the severe weather,” Lingle said in a news release. “This action will allow us to begin the recovery process as well as provide a means for repairing public infrastructure.”

A state disaster proclamation provides resources for disaster response and recovery. The resources may include activation of the Hawaii National Guard and access to housing relief and loan programs for people whose homes or businesses suffered damage as a result of the storm.

Civil Defense and other government and private agencies continued to conduct damage assessments in affected communities Friday as residents cleaned up from the severe storm that caused flooding, power outages and other problems.

On Oahu, public school officials said Leilehua High School and Wahiawa Middle School were closed due to flood damage.

State officials closed the Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, along with Iao Valley State Park, Halekii-Pihana heiau and Makena State Park on Maui.

Department of Land and Natural Resources staff pumped out five vessels at Oahu’s Waianae small boat harbor to keep them from sinking. The department also reported several vehicles, filing cabinets, kayaks, floating piers and other items were swept down Anahulu River on Oahu’s North Shore.