Hawaii Governor Asks Small Business Administration for Help

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is asking the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue a disaster declaration for Oahu after the recent storm.

A declaration would make long-term low-interest loans available to businesses, home owners, and renters who suffered flood and other damage.

The governor says more than 200 homes and businesses on Oahu were damaged in the storm which began on Wednesday and lasted through Saturday.

Of that total, 47 households have major uninsured losses.

Lingle won approval for a similar request after wind and rain storms last year.

The governor signed a state disaster proclamation on Dec. 12, 2008, to aid the recovery. The proclamation covers Oahu, Kauai and Maui County.