The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the continued availability of SBA Recovery Centers on Maui to support small businesses, private nonprofit organizations, and residents affected by wildfires from August 9 to September 30, 2023.
FEMA has ended its in-person staffing at two public-facing recovery centers as of June 18 and July 3. However, SBA customer service representatives will remain available at the Recovery Centers in Kahului and Lahaina to assist with disaster loan applications. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments can also be scheduled at appointment.sba.gov.
The open locations serving survivors include:
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave., Unit D-1, Kahului, HI 96732. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Maui Office of Recovery West, Lahaina Gateway, Unit 102-B (near Ace Hardware), 325 Keawe St., Lahaina, HI 96761. Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA, stated: “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster.” He added that business owners could meet specialists who guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources for recovery.
Eligible businesses and nonprofits can apply for business physical disaster loans up to $2 million for repairs or replacements of real estate and other assets damaged or destroyed by the disaster.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and private nonprofit organizations impacted financially by these disasters. However, agricultural producers like farmers or ranchers are not eligible unless they are small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs cover working capital needs caused by the disaster even if there was no physical damage. These loans can be used for fixed debts and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
Homeowners and renters may apply for home and personal property loans up to $100,000 or up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs or replacements.
Interest rates start at 4% for small businesses, 2.37% for nonprofits, and 2.50% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue until twelve months after the first loan disbursement; repayment begins eighteen months after disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility based on financial conditions.
Applications can be submitted online at sba.gov/disaster or through SBA's Customer Service Center via phone at (800) 659-2955 or email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Telecommunications relay services are accessible by dialing 7-1-1.
###