FAQs: Understanding FEMA Assistance for the Kona Earthquake

Federal disaster assistance is now available for residents of Hawaiʻi County who sustained damage or losses from the earthquake (DR-4936-HI) that occurred on May 22, 2026. These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) help answer common questions about the application process.

Q1: What FEMA assistance is available for residents impacted by the earthquake?

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to eligible Hawaiʻi County residents who sustained damage or losses as a direct result of the May 22, 2026 earthquake. The program is designed to help survivors with basic, essential needs that are not covered by insurance or other sources. Depending on individual circumstances, assistance may include:

• Temporary housing assistance for homeowners and renters who cannot live in their homes due to disaster damage.
• Basic home repairs for homeowners to make a primary residence safe, sanitary, and functional.
• Water Catchment Systems: Federal assistance may cover costs associated with repairing or replacing disaster-damaged components of a water catchment system.
• Other needs assistance, which may help with necessary expenses such as personal property; transportation; certain medical, dental, or childcare costs; and other eligible disaster-related expenses.

FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance and is not intended to restore all losses. It is designed to help jump-start recovery for essential needs.

Q2: What should I do if my property was damaged by the earthquake?

If you have homeowners or renters' insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your damage expenses, you may then be eligible for federal assistance.

When applying for federal assistance, be prepared to provide photos or videos of the earthquake damage and keep any documents or receipts related to repairs or disaster-related expenses.

Q3: How do I register for FEMA or SBA assistance?

For FEMA assistance, you can apply for free in one of three ways:

• Online by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Using the FEMA app on your smartphone or tablet
• Calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Operators are available 7 days a week, 7:00am to 10:00pm HST.

You may also qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes. SBA disaster loans have very favorable terms with fixed interest rates and automatic 12-month payment deferment with 0% interest for the first 12 months.

For SBA assistance, you can apply for free:

• Online using the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov.
• At a Local Recovery Center (see Q5)
• For more information, call SBA Customer Service at 1-800-659-2955 (dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services) or email [email protected].

Q4: What if I need help applying in a language other than English?

FEMA offers free translation and interpretation services to help you apply.

• The FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 has interpreters who can assist in many languages.
• If you use a relay service for American Sign Language, provide FEMA with that phone number when you call.
• Informational materials will be translated into several languages to reflect the needs of the community.
• FEMA is working with local faith-based organizations and community partners to reach all residents who need assistance.

Q5: Where can I find in-person assistance?

The State of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiʻi County will be opening Local Recovery Centers where you can get information and support from FEMA and SBA personnel. For the latest on dates, times, and locations of these centers, please visit: ready.hawaii.gov.

Q6: What is the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance?

The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for the Kona Earthquake is November 1, 2026.

*Hurricane Lala: If you were affected by Hurricane Lala, please continue to follow state and local officials and media sources for updates and information related to that separate disaster.