Hawaii small businesses and private nonprofit organizations that suffered economic losses caused by the severe weather conditions, flooding and landslides during the April 11 to 12 weather event in 2024 can still apply for low interest federal disaster loans, reminds the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The deadline to apply for a disaster loan is Feb. 21.


What You Need To Know

  • The disaster declaration covers the counties of Hawaii Island, Honolulu, Kalawao, Kauai and Maui, according to a Kauai County release

  • Under the declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture enterprises, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations that experienced financial losses related to the disaster

  • Whether businesses or private nonprofit organizations experienced physical damage or not, EIDLs are available for working capital needs

  • The deadline to apply for a disaster loan is Feb. 21

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Hawaii Island, Honolulu, Kalawao, Kauai and Maui, according to a Kauai County release.

Under the declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture enterprises, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations that experienced financial losses related to the disaster.

Agricultural producers, farmers and ranchers are not able to apply for disaster loans.

Whether businesses or private nonprofit organizations experienced physical damage or not, EIDLs are available for working capital needs. The loan can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid if the disaster had not occurred.

“When disasters strike, businesses and nonprofits face significant challenges,” said Randle Logan, acting associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, in the release. “These SBA loans provide the financial support they need to manage costs and continue moving forward.”

Loan amounts can be up to $2 million with terms up to 30 years and interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations. The SBA says interest does not accrue and payments aren’t due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The agency sets loan amount terms according to each applicant’s financial condition.

The SBA’s disaster loan program has been replenished through the American Relief Act of 2025, which former President Biden signed into law on Dec. 21, 2024.

Visit the SBA website to apply online and for additional disaster assistance information or call the Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impediment, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.