Posted at 2:32 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2006
Hawai'i to get $13.5 million in storm aid
Advertiser Staff
Hawai'i will receive more than $13.5 million in aid to help Kaua'i and O'ahu recover from 42 consecutive days of rain earlier this year, under an emergency appropriations bill passed by a U.S. House and Senate conference committee.The aid package includes $2 million for dam-break analyses of selected dams and reservoirs that may have been weakened by the persistent downpours. Concerns about dam safety are heightened after the Kaloko Dam on Kaua'i breached in March, killing seven people and causing millions of dollars in property damage.
The conference committee agreed yesterday to a $94.5 billion bill that focuses most relief on war efforts and Gulf Coast hurricane relief. The bill needs to be approved by the full House and Senate, then sent up to the president for his signature.
