Hawaii Kilauea Volcanic Eruption and Earthquakes

Hawai’i County Residents May Register for Assistance at the Disaster Recovery Center

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where survivors may go for information about our programs or other disaster assistance programs, and to ask questions related to your case. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state, volunteer groups and other agencies are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses. They can also help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance.

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Kea‘au, Hawai’i, jointly operated by the state of Hawai‘i and FEMA. The DRC is located at Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street, Pāhoa, HI 96778 and will be open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and CLOSED Saturdays and Sundays. This facility closes Friday, September 28 at 5:00pm. People can register for assistance at the DRC, as well as having many of their questions answered.  FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and state and county government agencies will be present at the center.

Meet one-on-one with FEMA staff at the recovery center. If you are a survivor who has left the area, call us at 800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service) and TTY 800-621-3362.

Frequently Asked Questions

Federal Assistance and Disaster Recovery Centers

Q:  Who should apply for federal assistance?

• Homeowners, renters, private nonprofits, and business owners in Hawai’i County who sustained damage to their homes, vehicles, personal property, business or its inventory as a result of the Kilauea volcanic eruptions and earthquakes may apply for federal assistance. The deadline to appy for FEMA assistance is September 12, 2018.
• They can do so the following ways:
  • At the Disaster Recovery Center in the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street
  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By Phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Multilingual operators are available
  • Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • The toll-free numbers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
• Disaster Recovery Centers are staffed with representatives from Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can meet one-to-one with specialists in disaster recovery.

 

Q: Why should I visit a DRC?

• At a DRC, applicants can:
  • Find answers to questions about the application process or get help making the initial registration;
  • Check the status of an application, update personal contact information, or give insurance information to FEMA assistance specialists;
  • Find out what to do if applications are found ineligible for FEMA assistance;
  • Learn the information FEMA needs to process an individual’s claim;
  • Speak to  U.S. Small Business Administration customer service representatives about low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters;
  • Get help completing and submitting SBA disaster loan applications.
• All centers are accessible and equipped with equipment to accommodate disaster survivors who have access and/or functional needs.

 

Q: What types of assistance are available?

• Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, destroyed home replacement, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses; medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, and other serious disaster-related expenses, including childcare.

 

Q: I have registered for assistance. What happens next?

• If your home or its contents are damaged or destroyed and you are uninsured or underinsured, a FEMA inspector may contact you within 10 days after you apply to schedule a time to meet with you to verify damages. All inspectors carry photo ID that shows they are affiliated with the U.S. government.
• If your home was destroyed or is not accessible, FEMA will work with you to examine your home through historic GIS imagery in order to assess the damage.
• About 10 days after the inspection FEMA will determine if you qualify for assistance. If you qualify, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it in your bank account. FEMA will also send you a letter describing how you are to use the funds.
• Other agencies may require additional verifications for their disaster assistance programs.

 

Q: What will FEMA accept as proof that I occupied my home?

• FEMA accepts many documents as proof of occupancy, a utility bill, credit card bills or other first class mail sent to you and showing the damaged property as your address, a pay stub, or a current driver’s license.
• FEMA is working closely with local agencies and officials to verify eligibility of nontraditional housing occupants.

 

Q: What do I do with the SBA loan application?

• If you are contacted by the SBA regarding a disaster loan application, you should complete and return the application to be considered for a low-interest loan, as well as other types of federal assistance. These loans are the major source of recovery funding.
• There is no obligation to accept a loan, if one is offered.  If SBA finds that you do not qualify for a disaster loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for possible other assistance.

 
Q: Do I have to repay the money from FEMA?

• FEMA assistance does not have to be repaid and is not taxable income. It has no effect on Social Security, Medicaid or other safety net programs.

 

Q: If I do not receive enough money to meet all my needs, what do I do?

• Most disaster aid programs are intended to meet only essential needs and are not intended to cover all your losses. Some people may qualify for assistance from more than one program, so you may be eligible for additional help from another agency.

 

Q: Will FEMA pay for my food loss?

• No. Food loss is not covered by the FEMA program. If you have an emergency need for a meal, contact your local Red Cross Chapter. Voluntary organizations at the DRC may be able to help you with food needs.

 

Q: Will FEMA help pay my utility bills?

• No. FEMA is not authorized to make such payments. However, local charitable organizations may be able to help for a short period. We suggest you contact the Red Cross or your local United Way office for a referral to the appropriate agency in your location.

 

Q: I'm self-employed and out of work. Do I qualify for disaster unemployment assistance?

• Disaster Unemployment Assistance, funded by FEMA and administered by the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, provides benefits for workers who would not normally qualify for unemployment compensation, including farmers, farm workers and those who are self-employed.

 

SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans to Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners and Renters

Q: What is an SBA disaster loan?

• The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property.
• SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
• SBA is working in conjunction with Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency and FEMA to help business owners and residents recover from the Kilauea eruptions and earthquakes.

 

Q: Who is eligible for SBA low-interest loans?

• The SBA is authorized to offer low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords) private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters that have sustained disaster-related damage.

 

Q: What’s the most common misunderstanding about SBA loans?

• The most common misunderstanding about an SBA loan is the assumption that SBA disaster loans are only for businesses. While SBA offers loans to businesses of all sizes, low-interest disaster loans are also available to private nonprofits, homeowners and renters alike.

 

Q: When should you apply?

• Businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters should apply right away with SBA as part of the overall federal disaster recovery process and not wait for any insurance claims to settle.

 

Q: Why should you apply?

• Survivors are encouraged to submit disaster loan applications even if they do not believe that they will need a disaster loan. There is no obligation to accept if offered.
• If the SBA is unable to approve a loan, in many cases you will be referred back to FEMA for possible additional grant assistance
• Some of these additional FEMA grants could include reimbursement for lost personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

Q: What is available as part of the SBA low-interest loan programs?

• Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for home repair or replacement of primary residences and eligible homeowners and renters up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property, including automobiles.
• Businesses of all sizes can qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help cover physical damages. Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact as a direct result of the disaster can apply for working capital under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
• The loan amount can be up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital.

 

Q: How do I register for FEMA assistance?

• Hawai’i County residents who suffered losses as a result of the Kilauea eruptions may register:
  • At the Disaster Recovery Center in the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street. This facility closes Friday, September 28 at 5:00pm.
  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By Phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Multilingual operators are available
  • Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.
  • The toll-free numbers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

 

Q: What happens after I register?

• Most survivors who register with FEMA are automatically referred to the SBA. Survivors are encouraged to speak with SBA representatives to learn about the resources available.

 

 

 

 

 

Q: What are the loan terms?

• Interest rates for SBA disaster loans are as low as 1.938 percent for homeowners and renters, as low as 3.610 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years.

 

Q: How do I apply with the SBA?

• To apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans, Applicants can visit the disaster recovery center for one-on-one assistance or apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
• In addition, applicants can get more information on SBA disaster assistance by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
• Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
• Paper applications may be requested, and completed paper applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
• Calling 800-659-2955;
• Emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

 

News Releases

News Releases

All News Releases, Fact Sheets, and Updates for Hawaii Kilauea Volcanic Eruption And Earthquakes (DR-4366) Are Available Here

• News Release 022:  Kilauea Disaster Recovery Center Closing September 28
• News Release 021:  Kilauea Disaster Recovery Center Hours Changing
• News Release 016:  Disaster Registration Deadline for Kilauea Damage Extended Through Sept. 12
• News Release 013:  FEMA Registration Deadline for Kilauea Damage is Aug. 13
• News Release 012:  Kilauea Disaster Recovery Center Moving to New Location

• News Release 011:  Kea‘au Disaster Recovery Center will close on Sundays

• News Release 010:  Disaster Officials Caution Quake Damage Not Immediately Evident

• News Release 009:  Advice on Building Back Stronger Available at Recovery Center

• News Release 008:  Businesses and Nonprofit Organizations Find Low-Interest Disaster Loans to Be Smart Business

• News Release 007:  Low-Interest Disaster Loans Fueling Kilauea Recovery for Homeowners and Renters

• News Release 006:  The Disaster Recovery Center in Kea’au has New Hours

• News Release 005:  Disaster Recovery Center Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4th Holiday

• News Release 004:  FEMA Field Specialists Ensure All Survivors are Offered Support and Resources

• News Release 003:  Federal Disaster Assistance Available to Renters, Too

• News Release 002:  Hawai’i County Residents May Register for Assistance, Disaster Recovery Center to Open

Fact Sheets

Fact Sheets

All News Releases, Fact Sheets and Updates for Hawaii Kilauea Volcanic Eruption And Earthquakes (DR-4366) Are Available Here

• Fact Sheet:  Leilani Estates Residents Requesting Re-Inspection May Qualify for Rental Assistance
• Fact Sheet:  FEMA Individual Assistance Program Supports the Kilauea Recovery
• Fact Sheet:  FEMA’s Work on Behalf of Survivors
• Fact Sheet:  Applicants for FEMA Aid have the Right to Appeal Agency’s Decision
• Fact Sheet:  Duplication of Benefits
• Fact Sheet:  Declaration Process/Current FEMA Status

Blog

Blog

All News Releases, Fact Sheets and Updates for Hawaii Kilauea Volcanic Eruption And Earthquakes (DR-4366) Are Available Here

• 1946 Tsunami a Turning Point for FEMA Mitigation Expert
• ASL/CDI Team Describes Work, Importance of Equal Access to Hawaii DRC staff

 

 

Emergency Information and Resources

Hawai'i County Civil Defense Messages and Alerts

 

Quake Damage Not Immediately Evident: Registering for Aid with FEMA May Cover Repairs

Residents of Hawai’i County who have felt the ground rumble beneath their homes as a result of the ongoing Kilauea eruptions and earthquakes are encouraged to look carefully for damage.

 

Signs of earthquake damage are not immediately evident and can be cumulative.  Even small quakes can cause damage. Residents should check their property periodically and document any damage. Look for:

• damages to foundations, piers and pillars
• cracks in walls;
• doors that don't close easily; and
• unexplained debris near wall and floor joints.

 

Residents with losses from the Kilauea eruptions and earthquakes that began May 3 are encouraged to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.  They may do so:

• at the Disaster Recovery Center in the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street. This facility closes Friday, September 28 at 5:00pm.
• online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• by phone at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay service may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

 

Until further notice, the DRC is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on weekends.

 

Residents are encouraged to monitor sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide on Hawaii Island by visiting the Civil Defense website, or go directly to www.epa.gov/kilaueaairdata.

 

Disaster Recovery Resources

 

State Resources

• The State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR)
  • The State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Benefits Are Available. http://labor.hawaii.gov/blog/news/disaster-unemployment-assistance-dua-benefits-are-available/  For more information, visit the Disaster Recovery Center currently located at the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale Street, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, closed Saturdays and Sundays, or contact the Hilo Claims Office at 974-4086 for more information.
  • For more detailed information regarding eligibility for DUA benefits, go to the DLIR website at http://labor.hawaii.gov/ui/assistance-programs/ or contact the Hilo Claims Office, Kinoole Plaza, 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 101, Hilo, HI 96720-5293, ph: 974-4086.