Hawaii will receive a $17 million grant from the U.S. Department of transportation to help the state repair roads and highways damaged by flooding and landslides on Kaui and Maui in February and March 2012.

The grant was announced today by U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono, and Brian Schatz, as well as U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.

 “Last year, Hawaii experienced highly unusual and severe weather, including hail, a tornado, flooding, and landslides. Critical roads and infrastructure across the state sustained major damage, and this $17 million in federal assistance will go a long way to fund repairs and help get Hawaii moving again,” Hirono said.

— Kery Murakami