State Announces Emergency Farmer Relief Program to Support Agriculture Industry Impacted by Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 Storm Systems

March 23, 2026
NR24-04

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) announces the establishment of the Emergency Farmer Relief Program for farmers and ranchers statewide who were impacted by the recent storm systems - Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2. Farms, ranches and businesses may apply to receive a one-time grant of $1,500.00 to address immediate needs resulting from the storm. A total of $500,000 has been authorized for this emergency grant program from DAB restricted funds.

Applications for the Emergency Farmer Relief Program will open on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Applicants who complete and submit applications by Friday, March 27, 2026 will be prioritized for funding. Awards will be announced in the week of March 30, 2026.

The program application may be found on DAB's website at https://dab.hawaii.gov/emergencyfarmerrelief/. Applicants must have experienced damage or losses from the storms and must provide a General Excise Tax (GET) license, proving they conduct business in the state.

Questions on the program or application should be directed to [email protected].

"While the full impacts from the Kona Low 1 and Kona Low 2 storms are still being assessed, we know our agricultural producers have been severely impacted by these events," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai'i Board of Agriculture. "The Emergency Farmer Relief funding aims to support our agriculture industry with grant money to start recovering from the disaster or providing brief financial stability during this time."

Applicants who have limited access to internet are able to call the Office of Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke for assistance in completing the applications at 808-586-0255.

"Ensuring our communities have access to support and needed resources should always be the state's top priority," said Lt. Governor Luke. "This emergency funding for our agriculture communities emphasizes their essential role in our state's food security and our commitment to aid in their recovery."

The Hawai'i Board of Agriculture will be considering a request from DAB to activate the emergency agricultural loan program for damage cause by the Kona Low Storms. If approved as requested, emergency loans of up to $100,000 will be available at 3% interest for qualified agricultural producers. For more information, contact the Agricultural Loan Division at 808-973-9460 or [email protected].

###