Hurricane Prep for Hawaii Homeowners: What to Know as FEMA Scales Back

Hurricane season in Hawaii is always a serious matter but this year brings a major shift that homeowners across the islands need to be aware of.

The federal government will start to scale back the role of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in disaster recovery after the end of the 2024 Hurricane Season. That means less federal aid, fewer resources after storms, and a greater responsibility on individuals to protect their homes, families, and finances.

If you own a home in Hawaii now is the time to re-evaluate your hurricane preparedness, especially your insurance coverage.

What’s Changing with FEMA and Why It Matters in Hawaii

In 2024, the federal government will begin a phased wind-down of FEMA’s traditional role in disaster recovery after the end of the current hurricane season. The move is part of a broader shift in federal policy driven by rising disaster costs, long-term budget concerns, and a national push toward greater state and local responsibility in emergency response.

Under this new framework, FEMA is prioritizing large-scale, catastrophic events — while pulling back from smaller, localized disasters and individual household assistance. The goal is to create a more “sustainable” model, but the impact is clear:Homeowners — especially those in remote, disaster-prone places like Hawaii — can no longer count on FEMA as a guaranteed safety net after storms.

While FEMA won’t disappear entirely, the level of direct support we’ve grown accustomed to — grants for rebuilding, temporary housing help, and quick post-storm aid — is already being reduced.

For Hawaii, this is especially concerning. Our geographic isolation, high cost of living, limited housing availability, and exposure to hurricanes, tsunamis, and flooding make us uniquely vulnerable. With FEMA stepping back, it’s not just a policy shift — it’s a serious risk shift.

In this new reality, preparedness, insurance, and local resilience will carry more weight than ever before.

A Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Hawaii

Here’s a comprehensive guide to get your home and your family ready for the season ahead.

1. Fortify Your Property

Storm-proofing your home is one of the best investments you can make. Be sure to:

• Install hurricane clips or straps to secure your roof.

• Add storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows.

• Trim overhanging trees and clear gutters before heavy rains.

• Elevate utilities and appliances if you’re in a flood-prone area.

  
  

2. Build a 7-Day Emergency Supply Kit

In Hawaii, supply chain disruptions can last for weeks after a storm. Your emergency kit should include:

• One gallon of water per person, per day (for 7 days minimum).

• Non-perishable food, baby formula, and pet supplies.

• Flashlights, solar or crank radios, extra batteries.

• First aid kits and necessary medications.

• A full gas tank and backup fuel if available.

  
  

3. Review Your Insurance Coverage Carefully

With FEMA support shrinking, your Hawaii hurricane insurance coverage becomes your first line of defense. Be sure to:

• Confirm your policy is up to date and includes windstorm insurance Hawaii options.

• Choose replacement cost coverage rather than market value.

• Understand your hurricane deductible. It’s usually higher than your standard deductible.

• Review your loss of use insurance coverage in Hawaii (also called Additional Living Expenses or ALE). This pays for hotels, food, and temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable. Many homeowners are under-insured here — don’t wait for a storm to find out. Talk to a local agent who understands the real risks and rebuilding costs unique to Hawaii.

4. Video the Contents of Your Home

Filing a claim after a storm is easier if you’ve already documented what you own.

• Use your phone to record a video walk-through of each room.

• Narrate the items you see especially high-value electronics, tools, furniture, and appliances.

• Save the video to the cloud or email it to yourself.

  
  

5. Understand Local Emergency Resources

With FEMA disaster relief changes, Hawaii residents will need to rely more on state and county resources.

• Bookmark your county’s emergency management website.

• Know your nearest shelter and what they allow (pets, medications, mobility needs).

• Follow official channels like HI-EMA (Hawaii Emergency Management Agency) and Civil Defense alerts.

  
  

You may also want to connect with local nonprofits or faith-based groups that help residents recover after storms.

6. Prepare Financially

Even a small emergency fund can provide stability after a storm. We recommend:

• Setting aside at least $500–$1,000 for immediate expenses.

• Keeping printed copies of your insurance policies, ID, and financial info in a waterproof folder.

• Enabling online access to your insurance company’s claims portal in advance.

The Big Picture: What This Means for Hawaii Homeowners

The bottom line is this: FEMA’s role is shrinking, and the gap must be filled by local governments, private insurers, and individuals.

For Hawaii homeowners, this means:

• Greater importance of reviewing and customizing your home insurance policy

• More reliance on your loss of use and flood coverage

• Higher potential out-of-pocket costs if your home is damaged or destroyed

• A need to think ahead — not just for storms, but for recovery

Final Thoughts

Hurricane season will always be part of life in Hawaii. But with the evolving landscape of FEMA support, now is the time to make sure your home and your family are ready with strong coverage, a clear plan, and the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.

If you have questions about your home insurance for hurricanes in Hawaii, loss of use insurance coverage Hawaii, or how these FEMA disaster relief changes might affect your risk, now is the time to speak with a local expert.

Don’t wait for the storm to start planning. Hurricane Prep for Hawaii Homeowners should start now.