HONOLULU — The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), in collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), is continuing damage assessments following last week’s Kona low storm. More than 50 DPP inspectors have been deployed to impacted areas, including Waialua, Haleʻiwa, Mānoa, and other parts of Oʻahu.
Inspectors are conducting street-by-street and door-to-door assessments to evaluate damage to residential properties. The results will help determine whether the extent of damage meets the threshold required to qualify for federal disaster relief programs.
“This effort is a critical step in understanding the full impact of the storm on our communities,” said DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna. “We appreciate the public’s cooperation as our inspectors work to document damages as quickly and safely as possible.”
It is important to note that this initial assessment will not determine the amount of assistance individual homeowners may receive. Rather, it will be used to assess overall community impact and determine eligibility for federal assistance.
Residents are advised that inspectors will be taking photographs of properties in the area as part of the damage assessment process. All inspectors will carry official City identification badges. If approached for a property inspection, residents should request to see the inspector’s badge before granting access.
Residents can also find a full list of DPP Storm Response FAQs online by visiting www.honolulu.gov/dpp/dpp-storm-response-faqs/
Important Reminder!
Residents who sustained damage to their homes are strongly encouraged to report it to the City by visiting: www.honolulu.gov/dem/homedamage/
This damage assessment form should be completed by tomorrow, Thursday, March 26, if possible. The City will be reviewing damage reports with FEMA over the weekend so it is critical that we get as many reports submitted before that time.
Submitting a report will help ensure all damages are accounted for as the City compiles information to support a potential request for federal assistance.
City officials encourage residents to stay up to date on future weather and shelter updates through HNL Alert. Residents can register online at hnlalert.gov to receive emergency information and regular storm updates. To receive urgent alerts only, text HNLALERT to 888-777 to quickly subscribe and receive the most important notifications by text message.
