FEMA approves $4M for permanent Pohoiki boat ramp repairs; more possible

FEMA has approved $4,000,000 to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources for permanent repairs to the Pohoiki boat ramp, funding a facility that has been unusable since the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and earthquakes and has forced commercial and recreational fishermen to travel to Hilo or Kaʻū to launch vessels. The allocation targets long-standing ocean access loss at Pohoiki and is part of a wider federal recovery effort for Hawaiʻi.

The $4 million award to DLNR is included in a $33,400,000 FEMA package for Public Assistance projects across the state, covering debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair or replacement of public infrastructure damaged by recent disasters. The broader FEMA approvals for Hawaiʻi in this package include $7,800,000 to the Maui County Emergency Management Agency for emergency protective measures, $1,800,000 to the Maui County Department of Police for emergency support, and $2,400,000 to Maui County Emergency Management Agency for security support.

Additional housing and community repairs were also included in the $33.4 million total: $6,400,000 for permanent repairs to the West Maui Senior Center, $6,900,000 for permanent repairs to Lahaina Crossroads Apartments, and $4,100,000 for permanent repairs to Komohana Hale Apartments. Local leaders responded to the Maui allocations: Debbie Cabebe, chief executive officer of Maui Economic Opportunity, said, "I'm very happy that FEMA is going to support rebuilding that center." Hedy Udarbe, president of the Lahaina Honolua Senior Citizens Club, said, "They need to desperately have one in Lahaina."

FEMA officials indicated the agency will continue to review additional projects and obligate funds on a rolling basis as eligibility is confirmed and scopes of work are finalized, meaning more federal dollars could follow if DLNR and local governments present eligible work plans and cost estimates. The regional funding effort is described as part of a broader Department of Homeland Security initiative addressing recovery needs across the islands.

Key questions remain for the Pohoiki project: DLNR has not yet released a detailed scope of work, final cost estimate, contractor plan, or a projected timeline for restoring public access. It is not yet clear whether the $4,000,000 allocation covers full restoration costs or represents an initial grant requiring additional state or federal matching funds.

Local commercial and recreational boaters who have been launching in Hilo or Kaʻū for nearly eight years will be watching DLNR and FEMA for project updates, permitting milestones, and a construction schedule. Officials say they will provide further approvals on a rolling basis as eligibility and work plans are confirmed, setting the stage for the next round of planning and procurement for Pohoiki repairs.