March 28, 2025

Attorneys General Urge FEMA to Release Funding for Hawaii

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News Summary

A coalition of 23 attorneys general, led by Hawaii’s Attorney General Anne Lopez, is petitioning the Trump administration to unfreeze FEMA funds critical for disaster relief in Hawaii. The funding freeze jeopardizes operations of the Disaster Case Management Program, which has supported over 6,300 survivors since the Maui wildfires. With the impending deadline of April 4, 2025, for funding availability, the legal battle underscores the urgency of restoring financial support for disaster recovery efforts.

Urgent Appeal from a Coalition of Attorneys General to Unfreeze FEMA Funding for Hawaii’s Disaster Relief

A Collective Action for Relief

In a bold move, Attorney General Anne Lopez of Hawaii has joined forces with 22 other attorneys general from around the United States. They’re filing a critical motion aimed at convincing the Trump administration to release frozen funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, commonly known as FEMA. These funds mean the world to Hawaii’s disaster management program and, quite frankly, they are needed *now more than ever*.

The Impact of the Funding Freeze

This funding freeze is no small matter. It poses a significant risk to Hawaii’s Department of Human Services’ Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP). In fact, if these much-needed federal dollars don’t come through, the program stands on shaky ground and could halt all operations by April 4, 2025!

The DCMP plays a vital role for those whose lives have been turned upside down by disasters. Since it started helping victims of the cataclysmic Maui wildfires in November 2023, the program has lent a hand to over 6,300 disaster survivors. Right now, the dedicated disaster management team is juggling approximately 1,729 active cases, which involves more than 4,431 individuals. Without the *critical funding*, all of this valuable support could come crashing down.

The Legal Battle

Despite a preliminary injunction issued on March 6, which was meant to compel the administration to release the funds, the Trump administration has stubbornly held onto hundreds of millions in FEMA grants. This ongoing funding freeze not only affects Hawaii but also puts public safety, disaster response, and emergency preparedness efforts across the country in jeopardy.

The coalition’s legal action is being spearheaded by some of the most prominent attorneys general, including those from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Other states also joining this crucial mission include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and even the District of Columbia.

Why This Matters

The coalition emphasizes that FEMA’s actions should be considered not just troubling but *illegal and harmful*. By withholding these funds, they are directly jeopardizing the recovery initiatives, including the lifeline that is the DCMP. Just imagine the critical nature of these funds for the many wildfire survivors striving to rebuild their lives; it truly can’t be overstated.

With the disaster recovery program involving over 120 dedicated staff members who work tirelessly for those in need, the urgency of this situation continues to grow. As the days go by, the threat of disruption to operations weighs heavily, impacting the ability of the team to provide effective assistance.

Representing Hawaii

In this ongoing legal battle, Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day and Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes are taking the reins for Hawaii, pushing for a swift resolution to this pressing issue. The stakes couldn’t be higher: failure to act now could mean a lesser chance for countless survivors to receive the help they desperately need.

As this situation unfolds, we can only hope for a prompt resolution so that essential funds are unblocked, allowing Hawaii’s disaster management program to continue its vital work. The entire community is counting on it, and every passing day makes it clear just how crucial this fight is for disaster survivors and emergency preparedness across the nation.