Hawaii Secures $18.5 Million in Federal Funds for Power Grid Resilience Against Natural Disasters
Hawaii has been awarded $18.5 million in federal funding to bolster its electrical grids against natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes. This federal support, channeled through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grants Program and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, will contribute to a larger $25 million investment initiative. The state is collaborating with Hawaiian Electric and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) to execute five significant resilience projects between 2027 and 2029 across Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii Island. A key component of this initiative involves establishing five 'Critical Customer Hubs' at locations like the Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina Cannery Mall, and Windward Mall, designed to ensure essential public facilities remain operational during prolonged power outages. These hubs will support critical services such as police and fire stations, medical clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Additionally, the funding will facilitate technological up... 
