Hawaii denied Presidential Disaster Declaration

HONOLULU, Hawaii – Governor Neil Abercrombie and Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi today issued a joint statement in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to deny the state’s request for “Individual Assistance” for the victims of Tropical Storm Iselle:

“The state and the County of Hawaii are working together to gather sufficient additional information, including socio-economic data, to justify a successful appeal.

“In the meantime, county, state and other federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, are providing support under their own authorities. The state also remains eligible for a declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which will enable qualified individuals and businesses to receive low-interest loans for repairs.”