Posted at 6:26 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Kaua'i and O'ahu farmers granted federal help
Associated Press
The disaster declaration, granted by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns and announced by Gov. Linda Lingle, was made after heavy rains and flooding damaged crops statewide.
Lingle requested the designation following heavy rains from Feb. 20 to March 26.
A separate request from Lingle to President Bush seeks a broader disaster declaration to help repair more than $50 million in damage throughout the state. That request is still pending.
Lingle also announced yesterday she has extended a March 2 emergency proclamation that gives state and county officials the authority to quickly repair dams at risk of erosion, seepage or failure after the rains.
The Kaloko Dam on Kaua'i's North Shore burst March 14, killing seven people and caused Lingle to order inspections of all reservoirs and dams statewide.
