Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Federal Disaster Assistance for Hawai‘i Island Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Iselle
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Declares Primary Natural Disaster Area
Honolulu – Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) this morning released the following statement regarding the declaration of Hawai‘i County as a primary natural disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Eligible farmers can now apply for certain assistance, including Farm Service Agency emergency loans.
“For our Hawai‘i Island farmers, this disaster declaration by the USDA opens the door for federal assistance, and is one more step toward a recovering from Hurricane Iselle,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “In the wake of the denial of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, it is critical that we find alternate sources of support, such as this U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance. I’m pleased that Secretary Vilsack recognized the true extent of damage experienced by our Hawai‘i Island farmers, and is offering much-needed federal assistance. Our neighbors in Puna, volunteers, utility workers, and local and state agencies are working hard to rebuild and move forward. We must continue to support them however we can throughout the difficult process of recovery.”
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack’s notification letter is available here. Additional information for Hawai‘i County farmers is available through local Farm Service Agency offices.
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