In this satellite image provided by Vantor is a closer view of flooded fields and buildings, Monday, March 23, 2026, in neighborhoods near Waialua, Hawaii. (Satellite image ©2026 Vantor via AP)

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to support statewide recovery efforts following back-to-back kona storms that caused widespread flooding and damage across Maui County and the state.

The first storm began March 10 and brought record-breaking rainfall that caused flooding, landslides and wind damage. The second storm on March 19 was less intense, but with already saturated conditions, it caused further flooding, more landslides and greater infrastructure damage across Maui, Lanai and Molokai, as well as Oahu, where there were massive evacuations.

“These storms have impacted every county in our state and stretched our emergency response capabilities,” Green said in a statement. “This request is about getting our communities the support they need to recover quickly and safely.”

If approved, the declaration could unlock federal support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and permanent repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and public facilities.

The declaration could also help pave the way for direct support to individual residents, including housing assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling and legal services.

The storms have generated extensive debris from fallen trees, mudslides and rockfalls. Many major highways remain blocked or accessible only to local traffic, leaving communities isolated and emergency access disrupted statewide.

The governor’s office said damage assessments indicate losses exceeding $400 million from the first storm alone, with total damages from both storms expected to surpass $1 billion.

The state is also coordinating with the Hawaii National Guard to support debris removal and clearance operations at Otake Camp on Oahu, where evacuations were carried out during rapidly rising floodwaters.

“The scale of damage we are seeing — from washed-out highways to overwhelmed water systems — makes clear that federal partnership is essential,” Green said. “We are doing everything we can at the state and county level, but this is exactly the type of event where FEMA support is critical.”

U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, along with U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, expressed their support for consideration of Gov. Josh Green’s request for a presidential disaster declaration.

“Landslides, floodwaters and debris caused washouts and closures of roadways,” the delegation wrote in their letter to President Trump. “Prior to this disaster, our communities were still rebuilding from devastating wildfires in Maui and Hawaii counties that claimed 102 lives and destroyed more than 2,000 structures. State and county officials now need federal support for the extensive repairs required for flood-damaged homes, small businesses, roads and public facilities across the islands.”