Deadline for Kīlauea Recovery Aid Approaching

Hawai’i County residents with uninsured or underinsured damage or losses from the Kilauea eruptions and earthquakes have until Sept. 12 to register with FEMA for disaster assistance and to apply for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Disaster assistance includes grants for rental assistance, home repairs and replacement, as well as low-interest disaster loans from the US Small Business Administration. These loans are available to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters to cover losses that are not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

Residents who have not registered yet can do so by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center located at the Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility at 15-3022 Kauhale Street in Pāhoa. The recovery center hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The center is closed on Sundays.

Survivors may also register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

Business owners and nonprofits located in Hawai’i County may qualify for up to $2 million in low- interest SBA disaster loans both for physical and financial damage. Homeowners may qualify for up to $200,000 for home damage. Homeowners and renters can apply for up to $40,000 to replace personal property.

Applicants may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Registrants who are contacted by SBA are being encouraged to submit the application even if they are not seeking a loan. Applications can be considered for other disaster assistance, such as reimbursement for personal property, medical, storage and vehicles.

Applicants whose contact information have changed are encouraged to contact FEMA.