Hawaii Tsunami Damage Estimated at $22 Million

The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing low-interest disaster loans to private individuals, businesses and nonprofits on Hawaii’s Big Island as a result of damage caused by the tsunami the resulted from Japan’s 9.0 magnitude earthquake

But private property damage on other islands didn’t qualify for disaster loans under the administration’s guidelines.

The Small Business Administration opened a disaster loan outreach center at the West Hawaii Civic Center last week.

The state estimated the tsunami caused private property damage amounting to $22 million statewide, including $16 million on the Big Island.

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie asked for a disaster declaration from the Small Business Administration to enable private property owners to seek loans to repair and replace damaged materials.