(Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

MEDIA RELEASE

Gov Neil Abercrombie has formally requested an Administrative Disaster Declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help Hawaii Island homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits affected by the tsunami that swept across the state March 11, 2011.

Work is also underway on a request to President Obama for a Presidential Disaster Declaration. This declaration would enable counties (Hawaii County, Maui County, and the City and County of Honolulu) damaged by the Honshu Tsunami to recoup some of the costs of rebuilding and repairing damaged public infrastructure, such as buildings and harbors.

Abercrombie asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide low-interest disaster loans to private individuals, businesses and nonprofits on Hawaii Island to repair or replace materials damaged from the tsunami. Damages sustained on the other islands did not qualify for disaster loans under SBA guidelines.

“These are follow-up steps to help those affected by the tsunami. When I visited places that were hard hit like the Big Island, the first step was already being done and that is the sharing of the aloha spirit and communities pulling together to take care of one another,” Abercrombie said. “We are looking at every option that may be available to provide financial assistance to those who need it.”

The State Civil Defense is also coordinating with state and county agencies to open a Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center at the Old Kona Airport Event Pavilion.

State agencies and community groups will be available to answer questions 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30.

Representatives from FEMA, the Small Business Administration and State Civil Defense assessed damages this week on the Big Island, Maui and Oahu. The evaluation was completed Thursday.

The disaster declaration would trigger federal assistance for repairs to public structures and facilities. FEMA would kick 75 percent of the cost, with state and county funds making up the other quarter.

According to reports to the State Civil Defense, the preliminary damage estimates from the tsunami that hit Hawaii after the Honshu earthquake in Japan totals $30.6 million.

Government Damage Estimates Reported
Hawai'i County                         $2.3 million 
Maui County                            $2.7 million 
City and County of Honolulu            $3.4 million 
Kaua'i County                               $60,400 

Total Public Infrastructure Damages    $8.5 million 

Damages to Businesses and Residents
West Hawai'i businesses               $13.5 million 
Hawai'i Island homes                   $2.5 million 
Maui County homes                          $600,000 
Private Property (including boats)     $5.5 million

The cost estimates don’t include loss of inventory or contents or such items as cars.

Earlier this week, county Civil Defense Administrator Quince Mento said the damage to county facilities totaled $562,000. That includes damages to Alii Drive, several parks, a pump station and a broken water main.

Residents and business owners should report any damage to their property, home or business to Aloha United Way by dialing 211 (Monday through Friday) or to the State Civil Defense toll free line at 855-211-7456 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).

Aloha United Way’s 211 operators will record damage reports and refer them to the proper agencies. The 211 line is taking calls 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday.