New numbers from Gov. David Ige’s office illustrate just how badly Hurricane Lane hurt Hawaii.
Preliminary data from the National Weather Service indicates Lane produced the second highest storm total rainfall from a tropical cyclone in the U.S. since 1950.
While the storm didn’t directly hit the islands, it still caused more than $22 million worth of damage.
Gov. David Ige’s office is now asking the president to declare a major disaster so that the federal government can help deal with the aftermath.
“The magnitude and severity of the disaster requires federal assistance. This exceeds the state’s response capability and it has impacted local governments,” Ige said.
Most of the damage was on Hawaii island, which saw record rainfall and widespread flooding.
Mountain View recorded more than four feet of rain and, according to the governor’s request, Hilo experienced the wettest three-day period ever observed.
All that overwhelmed sewage pumping stations and, for the first time, we’ve learned that caused a major sewage spill. The state says more than nine million gallons of raw sewage went into Hilo Bay.
A brown water advisory remains in effect for the Hilo Bay and along the Hamakua Coast to Lapahoehoe.
Maui is also dealing with millions of dollars worth of damage.
Three homes in Haiku remain inaccessible after storm water and debris caused the only road into their neighborhood to collapse.
In addition, officials say winds from Lane helped fuel destructive wildfires in Lahaina and Kaanapali that destroyed homes and burned thousands of acres.
Kauai wasn’t spared from the damage. The north shore of the island, which is still reeling from April’s heavy rains, was inundated again.
A major disaster declaration would allow access to the Public Assistance Grant Program, the full complement of Individual Assistance programs, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance program for Hawaii and Maui counties.
Ige also requested the Hazard Mitigation Grant program statewide, and 100-percent federal funding for a 72-hour period in the initial days of the disaster.
