­HONOLULU — The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency encourages qualifying businesses and organizations to apply by the Dec. 8 deadline for U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans related to drought conditions in Hawaii, Kalawao and Maui counties that began Feb. 8, 2022.

The loans are intended to offset reduced revenues caused by the continuing drought situation. Loans up to $2 million to meet working capital needs caused by the disaster are available to qualifying small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, according to a news release.

The loans offer rates of 2.94% for businesses and 1.875% for private nonprofit organizations, with a maximum term of 30 years.

“These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact,” said Tanya N. Garfield, director of the SBA’s Disaster Field Operations — West, in the release. “Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage.”

Visit the SBA website to learn more and access forms. Applicants can also call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial “711” to access telecommunications relay services.

Mail completed applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.