Kilauea eruption recovery loans have exceeded $30 million for Hawaiʻi Island businesses and residents, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SBA said approvals include about $8 million for businesses and roughly $22.6 million for residents to support rebuilding and recovery tied to the eruption that began May 3.
“SBA’s disaster assistance employees are committed to helping businesses and residents rebuild as quickly as possible,” said Tanya Garfield, director of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. She urged eligible applicants to register and noted they do not need to wait for insurance settlements or contractor estimates.
Kilauea eruption recovery loans: who qualifies and how much
Businesses and private nonprofits may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other assets.
Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to fix or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may access up to $40,000 for personal property losses.
How to apply and key deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency before the Sept. 12 deadline at disasterassistance.gov.
SBA loan applications can be started online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, by calling 800-659-2955, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
In-person assistance on Hawaiʻi Island
One-on-one help is available at the Discovery Recovery Center in Pāhoa, 15-3022 Kauhale St. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
The center will be closed today through Monday for the Labor Day weekend.
For residents whose travel or work plans are affected by the eruption and recovery period, shifting tourism patterns such as how the weak yen is reshaping Hawaiʻi ties may also influence local economic conditions.
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