Cost of Phase 2
If you had insurance in effect at the time of the wildfire that provides coverage for debris removal, it is required that those funds, if not used for rebuilding, go toward reimbursement of program costs. In most cases, the cost of debris removal will be greater than the insurance available. Reimbursement amount will not exceed the costs of debris removal on your specific property. If coverage for debris removal is not a separate insurance category, any reimbursement for debris removal will be limited to the unused benefit amount (if any) in that coverage category after the residence is rebuilt. If the full amount of general coverage is used for rebuilding, you will not be responsible for any reimbursement.
If you participate in Phase 2 of the program, we recommend that you consult with your insurance carrier to confirm how much is dedicated to debris removal. If your site will require private debris removal in addition to what is covered under Phase 2 of the Consolidated Debris Removal Program, you can use your debris insurance proceeds to cover those costs, and will only be expected to provide the remainder (if any) to reimburse the Program. If you do not have insurance the Program will be provided at no cost.
Who will be paying for the cleanup and disposal operations?
FEMA will be supporting cleanup operations through the USACE. The County of Maui will be supporting construction of the disposal facilities and will charge a ‘tipping fee’ per ton of ash and debris managed to the USACE to support construction, operation and closure of the permanent disposal sites.
Does FEMA participate in funding all debris management efforts?
No. Like all agencies, FEMA has authority limitations. Normally, FEMA-eligible fire-related private property debris removal (PPDR) efforts are limited to the removal of ash, hazardous materials, burned home remnants, and hazards to the public and debris removal crews (such as hazardous trees and unsupported walls), in conjunction with what is necessary to reduce immediate threats to public health and safety. However, in light of the severity of this event and acceptance of the State’s request for expedited economic recovery, FEMA has expanded eligibility to also include vehicles; marine vessels and marine debris; structural footings, foundations, chimneys, and basements; soil sampling after ash is removed from the ash footprint; excavation of contaminated soil as needed based on soil test results; commercial structures; and demolition of ‘clearly destroyed’ public, private residential and commercial structures.