FEMA Disaster Aid Deadline Is Sunday: What Honolulu Residents Affected by Kona Low Flooding Need to Know

Time is running out for Honolulu residents affected by the devastating Kona Low flooding earlier this year to apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to submit applications for FEMA Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration disaster loans is this Sunday, June 14.

The flooding, which occurred in February, caused significant damage across Oahu, particularly in areas like Kalihi, Mapunapuna, and Sand Island State Recreation Area. Many homes and businesses in these communities experienced water damage, prompting federal disaster declarations that opened the door to financial assistance.

“We’re seeing a last-minute rush of applications, which is typical,” said Maria Santos, spokesperson for the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. “But we want to make sure no one misses out on assistance they’re entitled to receive.”

Who Qualifies for FEMA Assistance

FEMA Individual Assistance is available to homeowners and renters who suffered uninsured or underinsured losses from the Kona Low flooding. This includes damage to your primary residence, personal property, and certain disaster-related expenses.

Eligible expenses include temporary lodging, home repairs, replacement of damaged personal property, medical and dental costs related to the disaster, and funeral expenses. The assistance is designed to help with serious needs and necessary expenses that insurance doesn’t cover.

Renters are also eligible for assistance with personal property losses and temporary housing costs, even if their landlord’s building wasn’t severely damaged. Many renters don’t realize they qualify, but FEMA assistance can help replace damaged furniture, clothing, appliances, and other personal belongings.

SBA Disaster Loans Available

The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the flooding. These loans can cover repair costs, replacement of damaged property, and even mitigation measures to prevent future damage.

Homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate, while renters and homeowners can receive up to $100,000 for personal property losses. Businesses can access up to $2 million for property damage and economic losses.

Interest rates are currently 2.8% for homeowners and renters, and 4% for businesses without credit available elsewhere. The SBA offers repayment terms up to 30 years, depending on the borrower’s ability to pay.

How to Apply Before Sunday’s Deadline

The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. The helpline operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and offers assistance in multiple languages.

Applicants will need basic information including Social Security number, insurance information, contact details, address of the damaged property, and bank account information for direct deposit. Having photos of damage and receipts for disaster-related expenses can speed up the process.

For those who prefer in-person assistance, FEMA has set up a Disaster Recovery Center at the Hawaii Convention Center in Waikiki. The center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Saturday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday to accommodate the deadline rush.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

FEMA officials stress that applications submitted closer to the deadline may face processing delays. Online applications are processed fastest, typically within 10 days of submission with all required documentation.

Those who already applied but received insufficient assistance can appeal FEMA’s decision or request a review if their circumstances have changed. Appeals must also be submitted by the June 14 deadline.

For SBA loans, applicants who are declined by FEMA may automatically be referred to the SBA, but it’s often better to apply directly to both programs simultaneously.

Local Resources and Support

Several local organizations are helping residents navigate the application process. The American Red Cross has volunteers stationed at the Convention Center, while Catholic Charities Hawaii is offering application assistance at its Kalihi location through Saturday.

The City and County of Honolulu has also created a resource page on its website with links to all disaster assistance programs and contact information for additional help.

For Honolulu residents still dealing with flood damage from February’s Kona Low, this weekend represents the final opportunity to access federal disaster assistance. With potential aid ranging from a few hundred dollars for small repairs to hundreds of thousands for major reconstruction, the programs can provide crucial support for families and businesses still recovering from one of the most significant weather events in recent Oahu history.