Trump approves federal aid for evacuees

President Trump approved Gov. David Ige’s request for federal assistance toward lava evacuees today, one day after the request was filed.

Thanks to the approval, qualifying residents may receive assistance from the federal government’s individual assistance programs, which include six plans to address issues such as shelter needs, unemployment, trauma and legal matters.

With the individual assistance approved, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a disaster relief center at Keaau High School. County and federal agencies will gather at the center to connect affected residents with assistance programs.

Residents who have lost their primary dwellings — whether through lava inundation or lava isolation — should register at the disaster relief center, which will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ige also requested that the federal government reconsider a prior request to approve individual assistance for storm and flood victims on Kauai and Oahu.