Mayor Mufi Hannemann today signed an emergency declaration after inspecting areas damaged hardest by Thursday's storm and speaking with affected residents.

"We are moving swiftly to ensure those who are suffering receive the help they need," Hannemann said. "This weather event is not over yet, and damage estimates are still being compiled, but we want to be sure that the proper assistance mechanisms are in motion."

The emergency ddeclaration provides a mechanism to grant partial property tax refunds to eligible homeowners and waive building permit fees to facilitate repairs.

The declaration is also the first step in requesting additional disaster relief assistance from the state and federal governments, Small Business Administration and others.