Governor Josh Green Issues Emergency Proclamation Unlocking $25 Million in Housing Relief Grants

HONOLULU, HI — Governor Josh Green, M.D., issued a comprehensive Emergency Proclamation relating to tropical cyclone recovery, unlocking $25 million from the State Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund to establish the Hawaii Emergency Housing Assistance Grant Program.

Providing Immediate Rental Subsidies and Structural Grants

The gubernatorial proclamation authorizes direct monthly rental subsidies up to $2,500 for displaced households and provides emergency repair grants up to $15,000 for uninsured homeowners facing roof and water damage across Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii counties. The order temporarily suspends state procurement code constraints to accelerate emergency civil bridge and culvert repairs along coastal highway corridors.

Governor Green stated that the state must act with emergency urgency to ensure displaced residents have immediate financial shelter assistance and reliable road access.

County Mayors and Emergency Relief Response

County mayors across the Hawaiian Islands praised the rapid release of state housing funds to transition families from emergency shelters into stable rental units.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) established localized Disaster Recovery Centers to assist residents with application filings.

Proclamation Duration

The Emergency Proclamation remains in full legal effect for 60 days through October 23, 2026.