Many families on Hawaiʻi Island are still dealing with cracked homes and damaged water-catchment systems from the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit the Kona region on May 22, 2026. Federal help is now on the way. Governor Josh Green announced that President Donald Trump approved his request for a major disaster declaration, designated FEMA-4936-DR.
“Mahalo to President Trump and our federal partners for approving this critical assistance,” Green said. “This declaration will provide resources to help our residents recover and rebuild.”
What FEMA can pay for
The declaration opens Individual Assistance to eligible Hawaiʻi County residents with earthquake damage or losses. Depending on circumstances, that can mean:
Temporary housing for homeowners and renters who cannot stay in their homes. Basic repairs to make a primary residence safe, sanitary and functional. Repair or replacement of damaged parts of residential water-catchment systems. Help with essential disaster-related costs, including personal property, transportation and some medical, dental or child care expenses.
FEMA cannot duplicate payment for losses insurance covers, so people with homeowners or renters insurance should file a claim first. They may still qualify for help with eligible costs their policy leaves out.
How to apply
Applications are free. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST, with translation and interpretation services. Applicants should have photographs or videos of the damage ready, and keep receipts and other records of repairs and expenses.
The deadline is Nov. 1, 2026. “We encourage residents to document their losses, contact their insurance providers and apply before the Nov. 1 deadline, even if they are unsure whether they qualify,” said David Lopez, administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.
Homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits may also qualify for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, through the MySBA Loan Portal or at 1-800-659-2955.
The state and Hawaiʻi County will open Local Recovery Centers where FEMA and SBA staff can help in person. Dates, hours and locations will go up at ready.hawaii.gov.
The declaration covers only the May 22 earthquake. Federal and state work on Tropical Cyclone Lala is handled separately.
