Coalition of Attorneys General Advocates for Hawaii’s Disaster Recovery

Diverse coalition of attorneys advocating for disaster recovery in Hawaii

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News Summary

A coalition of 23 attorneys general, led by Hawaii’s AG, is urging the Trump administration to release essential FEMA funds for disaster relief in Hawaii. With the Department of Human Services’ Disaster Case Management Program at risk of closure by April 2025, the survival of over 6,300 wildfire survivors hangs in the balance. The coalition has filed a motion to enforce a preliminary injunction for immediate funding release, highlighting the adverse effects on disaster recovery and public safety nationwide.

Wave of Support for Hawaii’s Disaster Relief Program

In an astonishing show of unity, Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaii has teamed up with a coalition of 22 other attorneys general across the country. Their mission? To pressure the Trump administration into unlocking funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that are crucial for disaster management in Hawaii.

What’s at Stake?

The funds currently in limbo are vital for the Department of Human Services’ Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP). If the funds are not released, the program is at risk of shutting its doors for good by April 4, 2025. This would be a massive blow for many residents still reeling from the devastating wildfires that erupted in Maui last year.

The DCMP has been a beacon of hope for over 6,300 disaster survivors since it began assisting those affected by the wildfires in November 2023. A dedicated team of trained disaster case managers works tirelessly to help survivors identify and tackle their unmet needs. Currently, they are managing around 1,729 active cases that involve more than 4,431 individuals needing vital assistance.

The Ongoing Struggle for Funding

Despite a preliminary injunction that was issued on March 6, indicating that funds should be released, the Trump administration remains steadfast in withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in FEMA grants. This puts the futures of both the disaster management program and the countless individuals it supports in jeopardy.

The coalition of attorneys general is pushing hard to enforce this injunction and has filed a motion to demand the immediate release of these essential funds. It’s not just Hawaii that stands to suffer from this freeze; the implications reach into public safety, disaster response, and emergency preparedness all over the nation.

A Reach Across the Nation

Besides Hawaii, the coalition is composed of attorneys general from states like California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Other states lending their support include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

The actions by FEMA have drawn sharp criticism, with many describing them as illegal and harmful. The lack of funding directly impacts recovery programs like the DCMP and places an undue burden on communities trying to recover from calamities.

The Human Cost

DHS Deputy Director Trista Speer has emphasized just how crucial these funds are for the survival and recovery of wildfire victims. The funding freeze threatens the livelihoods of over 120 staff members who are tirelessly working within the disaster recovery program to support families beginning to rebuild their lives.

As this coalition gathers momentum, the hope is not just for Hawaii but for communities affected by disasters across the nation. The clock is ticking, and each day that passes without the release of these funds weighs heavily on the shoulders of those still in recovery mode after last year’s wildfires.

What Happens Next?

The coalition is determined to see this through, as their motion aims to enforce the earlier injunction and compel the administration to act. Everyone is watching closely, as the outcome could significantly alter the landscape of disaster recovery, impacting countless lives along the way.

As we await further developments, residents and advocates remain hopeful that essential funds will flow once more, allowing dedicated teams to continue their important work in helping communities recover and thrive once again.