HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Hawaii following Recent Severe Weather

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy,​ Jr. declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) for the state of Hawaii to address the health impacts caused by severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred March 10-24, 2026. The declaration follows President Trump’s emergency declaration and gives the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) health care providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs of Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

“HHS is committed to supporting the people of Hawaii as they recover from these devastating storms,” said Secretary Kennedy. “By declaring a public health emergency, we are ensuring that health care providers have the flexibility they need to continue serving their communities and that patients can maintain access to essential services during this critical time.”

To support state and local response efforts, HHS’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has provided access to HHS emPOWER. Data from emPOWER includes the number of Medicare beneficiaries who are reliant on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment and certain health care services, such as dialysis, oxygen tanks, or home health care. In the past, this data has informed planning, response, and recovery efforts to quicky and effectively address the needs of at-risk residents in areas impacted by the disaster. 

“ASPR is working closely with federal, state, and local partners to support Hawaii’s recovery efforts,” said ASPR Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary John Knox. “Through tools like HHS emPOWER and the flexibilities enabled by this declaration, we are helping identify and reach vulnerable populations, ensuring continuity of care for those who need it most during and after this disaster.”

The Disaster Distress Helpline is also available to provide disaster crisis counseling. Managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. To connect with a trained counselor, call or text 1-800-985-5990. Spanish speakers can press “2” for bilingual support. Callers also can connect with counselors in more than 100 other languages via third-party interpretation services by indicating their preferred language to the responding counselor.

In declaring the public health emergency and authorizing flexibilities for CMS providers, suppliers, and beneficiaries, Secretary Kennedy acted within his authority under the Public Health Service Act and Social Security Act. These actions and flexibilities are retroactive to March 10, 2026.