Federal loans can ease storm ills

Residents and businesses affected by storms and flooding in early December can apply for federal help at Disaster Loan Outreach Centers opening today on Oahu and Maui.

"Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the severe storms and flooding," said Andrew K. Poepoe, district director for the Small Business Administration, which will run the centers.

The effort covers weather-related damage from Dec. 4 through 7. SBA staff will answer questions and help people complete loan applications, Poepoe said.

The centers will operate today and tomorrow, then close for the New Year's holiday, reopening at noon Wednesday.

Here are their locations and hours from next Thursday to Jan. 18, their last day of operation:

» Honolulu: Ward Plaza, 210 Ward Ave., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

» Kailua: Enchanted Lake Shopping Center, 1020 Keolu Drive, Suite C-7A, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m-6 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

» Kahului, Maui: 89 Hookele St., Suite 104, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace their homes.

Renters and homeowners can borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

Businesses of any size and nonprofit organizations can borrow up to $1.5 million to repair or replace business assets such as real estate, equipment and inventory. They also can borrow money to help prevent similar future damage.

Small businesses only are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not they suffered property damage.

Applications for property damage loans are due by Feb. 18, and economic injury loan applications are due by Sept. 19.

Those unable to visit a loan center can call toll-free (800) 659-2955, or (800) 877-8339 for the hearing-impaired; or they can visit the SBA's Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.