Hawaii Senate Forecasts $300 Million Disaster Cost

Senate President Ron Kouchi told reporters that recent natural disasters will cost the state approximately $300 million to repair.

Kouchi identified Hurricanes Lala and Lowell, the Kona lows, and the Hawaiʻi Island earthquake as the primary sources of the damage. He described the financial outlook for the upcoming legislative session as daunting.

The new estimate adds to existing budget pressures. Lawmakers already reserved $1.6 billion last year to offset federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. Kouchi noted that rising fuel prices have also made air travel more expensive, which is currently depressing tourism counts.

"We have a couple of disasters hitting us in the natural disasters, the federal budget issues," Kouchi said. "And so now with the rising cost of fuel, air travel is getting more expensive. We're seeing impacts to our tourism counts. And so how are we going to navigate some difficult economic times?"

Kouchi made these remarks on Thursday, two days after Election Day. The November vote did not alter the Senate's composition. Democrats retain 22 of the 25 seats. Republicans hold three seats, though Minority Leader Brenton Awa may switch to independent status. Kouchi said Awa's potential move will not affect the Democratic majority.

The Democratic caucus is scheduled to meet Friday to set priorities. Kouchi listed the economy, climate change, housing, and health insurance as top agenda items for the session starting in January.