The Law of Rebuilding LA Episode 26: FEMA, debris removal and transitional housing solutions

The Law of Rebuilding LA podcast is back for day two of a special week-long series featuring Hawaii Governor Josh Green. Join podcast host Howard Miller for today's conversation about the post-disaster recovery phase following the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire.

In today's episode, Gov. Green discusses:

• The productive partnership with FEMA and their understanding of Hawaii's disaster needs
• The remarkable $1.2 billion debris removal operation that was completed in just one year
• The importance of time management in disaster recovery--setting and meeting deadlines to maintain hope
• Using a doctor's approach to healing: providing clear expectations and honest timelines
• The value of making difficult decisions early, such as reopening parts of the region to tourists at the two-month mark
• Transitioning displaced residents from emergency hotel housing to long-term rentals
• Building 1,044 transitional homes as part of the multi-phase housing recovery plan

You can also listen to today's podcast on SoundCloud or on Apple Podcasts.

New episodes will be released daily this week, with each segment exploring different aspects of disaster recovery and rebuilding. Tomorrow's episode will delve into long-term housing challenges.

Did you miss yesterday's episode? Catch up via the Rebuilding LA page, SoundCloud or Apple Podcasts.

About Gov. Josh Green

Governor Josh Green is a dedicated physician, husband, father, and Hawai'i's ninth Governor. Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he earned degrees in biology and anthropology from Swarthmore College and an M.D. from Penn State's College of Medicine. After completing his family practice residency, he chose to serve the underserved community of Ka'ū on Hawai'i Island, as a member of the National Health service Corps.

His experiences as a rural physician have inspired him to address issues like affordable housing, mental health, and addiction through public service.

Dr. Green served two terms in the Hawai'i House of Representatives, three terms in the Hawai'i State Senate and a term as Lieutenant Governor, during which he was the point person addressing the COVID Pandemic. In December 2022 Dr. Green was elected Governor.

Since becoming Governor, Dr. Green has prioritized affordability, housing, healthcare, and climate action. He enacted the largest income tax cut in Hawai'i's history, accelerated the development of over 62,000 affordable housing units, expanded homelessness initiatives like kauhale villages, and launched programs to address the state's healthcare workforce shortage. His leadership during the Maui wildfire recovery housed nearly 8,000 survivors and secured billions of dollars for recovery efforts. Governor Green remains deeply committed to improving the lives of Hawai'i's families and building a more sustainable future.