Hawaii to Receive More Than $5 Million in Funds for Additional Community Response to the Pandemic

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that Hawaii will receive more than $5 million in supplemental Community Development Block Grants coronavirus response (CDBG-CV) funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. This is the second disbursement of CDBG-CV funds from the CARES Act, the third coronavirus relief package Congress passed.

Hawaii County will receive $975,815, Kauai County will receive $261,137, Maui County will receive $698,280, and the City and County of Honolulu will receive $3,081,677. These funds are intended to target public health, coronavirus, and housing and economic disruption needs, which could include constructing testing, diagnosis, or treatment facilities; supporting new businesses or business expansion to create jobs while responding to infectious disease; and expanding microenterprises that address specific needs during quarantine related to medical, food delivery, cleaning, and other essential assistance. 

The counties have begun using the first tranche of CDBG-CV funding to prepare and deliver meals, replenish food bank shelves, provide rental and mortgage assistance, and increase access to transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness.

“The pandemic has exposed the deep divisions and inequality that are present in our nation. This funding will help our state with flexible resources so each county can appropriately address the needs of particularly vulnerable populations. Hawaii, and the nation, will continue to need assistance as we grapple with COVID-19, and I will continue to support funding to address the changing needs of Hawaii residents during the pandemic,” Senator Hirono said. 

Last month, Senator Hirono announced that Hawaii received $12 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development grants, including nearly $8 million in Community Development Block Grant coronavirus response funds.

###