Hawaii’s congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Small Business Administration to extend the deadline for homeowners, renters, businesses and organizations impacted by the wildfires to apply for loans.
U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, as well as U.S. Reps. Jill Tokuda and Ed Case, sent a letter to SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman on Monday.
“The recent wildfires completely devastated an entire community in West Maui,” the lawmakers wrote. “Even as the community continues to recover, it will take years to rebuild after the wildfires.”
So far, the SBA has approved more than $98.9 million in disaster loans to assist with rebuilding areas that have been damaged or destroyed by the wildfires, according to a news release from Hirono. Currently, the deadline to apply for physical damage loans is Oct. 10.
The lawmakers said they are concerned the Oct. 10 deadline will not give enough time to apply, especially given the complicated loan process and the comprehensive information that applicants have to submit.
“Such an extension would help to ensure no potential applicants are denied assistance due to the tight timeline,” the lawmakers said.
“With the October 10 deadline looming and the potential of a total government shutdown increasing, we respectfully request a response by September 29 to ensure appropriate community outreach,” they added.
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