US House Votes to Send $6 Billion in COVID Relief to Hawai´i

Billions in coronavirus aid is almost certainly on its way to Hawai´i within a matter of days.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that includes at least $6.1 billion in estimated funding for the State of Hawai‘i.

The American Rescue Plan Act – the second largest emergency relief package in American history comprised of $1 trillion dollars more than the last package passed in December – includes funding for unemployment assistance, vaccine distribution, schools, healthcare workers and aid for small businesses.

“This new package will deliver immediate help to people who have lost their job(s) or can’t make their rent,” said US Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI). “It provides funding for schools and health care, and will give our state more resources to get people vaccinated.”

The funding will supply $1,400 stimulus checks to most Americans and extend $300 plus-up unemployment benefits for months.

The COVID-19 relief package also includes significant funding for state and local governments to cover budget shortfalls, as well as more resources for Native Hawaiian health, housing, and education programs.

The bill, which passed the Senate on Saturday, now heads to President Biden, who is expected to quickly sign the legislation into law.

For a full breakdown on funding estimates for Hawai‘i, click here.