Late last month, Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced preliminary estimates suggesting $1 billion is needed to fund repair and mitigation following four major disasters that struck the Pacific island this year.

Current estimates and recovery commitments reported by state agencies total approximately $686 million from the March Kona Low storms, the May 22 magnitude 6.0 Hawaii Island earthquake, Hurricane Lala and Hurricane Lowell, the governor’s statement indicated.

The state has also identified at least $319 million in proposed resilience and mitigation projects to strengthen critical infrastructure and prepare Hawaii for future disasters.

The figures remain preliminary and are subject to reconciliation as damage assessments and federal eligibility reviews continue, the governor noted.

Residential, agricultural, utility and business losses have not been fully calculated.

“Four major disasters in six months have caused extraordinary damage across our state and made clear that recovery and resilience must move forward together,” said Governor Green. “The costs identified so far approach $700 million, and the investments needed to strengthen our critical infrastructure bring the total challenge to approximately $1 billion. We will pursue every available federal resource, use insurance and state funding responsibly and work with the Legislature to protect our people and prepare Hawaii for what comes next.”

Across all four disasters, 1,290 homes were affected, including 74 destroyed, 451 with major damage, 514 with minor damage and 251 otherwise affected.

The estimated $686 million in currently identified damage and recovery costs includes:

• Approximately $463.6 million connected to the Kona Low storms
• At least $1.5 million connected to the Hawaii Island earthquake, with major categories still undetermined
• Approximately $108 million connected to Hurricane Lala
• Approximately $112.4 million connected to Hurricane Lowell

The state has also identified at least $319 million in future resilience and mitigation projects, including:

• $80 million to modernize the State Emergency Operations Center
• $175 million to harden Honolulu Harbor
• $20 million to study a potential alternate port
• $20 million for community resilience hubs
• $9 million for airport generators
• $15 million for natural disaster mitigation

Potential funding sources include federal disaster relief, state insurance, additional appropriations from the Hawaii State Legislature, rainy day funds and revenue from the Green Fee.

KONA LOW STORMS

Current estimates and recovery commitments connected to the March storms total approximately $463.6 million, which includes $44.8 million in preliminary public infrastructure damage, approximately $191.8 million in Department of Transportation infrastructure costs, $162 million in preliminary Department of Education repair costs and $65 million committed to restoring Kula Hospital.

The storms affected 463 homes across Hawaii, Maui, and Honolulu counties.

The Hawaii National Guard mobilized up to 500 personnel, rescued or evacuated 138 people, delivered more than 42,000 gallons of potable water to 3,200 residents and cleared 3,732 cubic yards of debris from 164 homes.

The Department of Education identified damage at 54 schools.

HAWAII ISLAND EARTHQUAKE

The May earthquake affected 313 homes in Hawaii County, including 18 destroyed and 92 with major damage.

A comprehensive estimate for public infrastructure damage has not been determined, although the Department of Transportation estimates approximately $1.5 million in highway costs.

HURRICANE LALA

Currently reported damage and recovery estimates connected to Lala total approximately $108 million. This includes $67 million in preliminary public infrastructure damage across Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu counties, approximately $28.5 million in highway and airport costs and $12.5 million in preliminary damage at 38 public schools.

Lala affected 267 homes, including 29 destroyed and 82 with major damage.

HURRICANE LOWELL

Reported damage and recovery estimates connected to Lowell total approximately $112.4 million at the time of the statement.

Current preliminary public infrastructure estimate is $100.5 million, including $93.7 million in Kauai County, $6.4 million in Maui County and $430,000 in Hawaii County.

Department of Transportation estimates include $3.77 million for sinkhole repairs at Kaumālapaʻu Harbor, $150,000 for debris removal, $1.5 million in airport costs and $6.5 million in highway costs.

Lowell affected 247 homes on Kauai, including 10 destroyed and 67 with major damage. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment work, debris removal and repairs to utilities, roads, schools and harbors remain underway.