Possibly 200 Oahu homes were damaged in last week's rainstorm and flooding, a magnitude that officials hope will trigger federal assistance.

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  Over the weekend, Gov. Linda Lingle asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue a disaster declaration for Oahu. The declaration would make low-interest loans available to businesses, homeowners and renters who suffered flood and other damage.

The Red Cross surveyed the damaged homes over the weekend and will continue today, possibly pushing up the number slightly, said Red Cross spokeswoman Jennifer Walter.

She said most of the damage was in three areas: the North Shore, Laie and Waianae. Mililani also had damage.

The city Department of Emergency Management said 37 homes were destroyed and 17 sustained major damage.

Meanwhile, Kauai officials asked residents to report any damage.

“;Completing the damage assessments will be the top priority for our Civil Defense staff this week,”; said Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. in a statement. “;We want to make sure we take advantage of every opportunity there may be to assist our residents with federal funding.”;

A county Civil Defense flyover did not show a lot of structural damage to property, said Beth Tokioka, the mayor's executive assistant.

“;We have to give it a few days for people to call in and to really see what's out there,”; Tokioka said.

Officials on Oahu and Kauai are still trying to determine the amount of damage from the storm that dumped 14 inches of rain in 12 hours Thursday on Oahu.

Honolulu Emergency Management spokesman John Cummings said volunteers toured heavily hit areas yesterday. “;Starting (today) the city and the state is going to be looking at trying to clean up all the mess, at the same time assisting residents,”; he said.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann signed an Emergency Declaration over the weekend to help homeowners begin the rebuilding process.

“;We are moving swiftly to ensure those who are suffering receive the help they need,”; Hannemann said in a news release.

The declaration begins the process of granting property tax refunds to homeowners and waiving building permit fees to speed up repairs.

It is also the first step to request federal disaster relief.

Two Red Cross shelters remained open last night in Waianae and Kahuku.

Today and tomorrow will bring scattered showers, according to the National Weather Service in Honolulu. Forecasters are tracking another weather system expected to bring heavier showers on Wednesday, but not as wet as those last week.