08/19/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/19/2026 23:37
Additional Federal Funding, Support Expected In Coming Weeks And Months
HONOLULU - U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai?i) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved an initial $6 million in Emergency Relief "quick release" funds to help Hawai?i repair transportation infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Lala. The approval follows a call from Schatz to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on Sunday, urging quick approval of the federal funding.
"This will help Hawai?i move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their feet," said Senator Schatz. "Lala brought devastating flooding, damaged roads and bridges, knocked out power, and left communities isolated. These federal funds will help Hawai?i move quickly to clear debris, restore access, and begin making the repairs our roads and highways need."
The $6 million in "quick release" funding will provide immediate federal assistance as the state continues assessing storm-related transportation damage and carrying out recovery work. Additional federal funding and resources for Hawai'i are expected in the coming weeks and months.
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