Department of Agriculture

NR14-21
Aug. 13, 2014

HONOLULU — Farmers suffering damage from Iselle may be eligible for low-interest loans from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Agricultural Loan Division. An agricultural loan officer will be available at the two Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center (DARC) on Hawaii Island, which will be opened jointly by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (formerly State Civil Defense) and Hawaii County.

The DARCs will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

• Thursday, Aug 14 and Friday, Aug. 15 at Pahoa Community Center, 15-2910 Puna Rd.
• Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17 at Mountain View Gym, 18-1345 A Volcano Rd.

“The storm hit one of Hawaii’s most important regions for agriculture,” said Scott Enright, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “While damage estimates are still being tabulated, our emergency loans may help farmers recover as soon as possible.”

The Hawaii Board of Agriculture has the authority to approve the parameters for the emergency loan program. Farmers needing loans of $25,000 or less may apply for micro-loans for swifter processing and faster approvals

If possible, farmers should bring photos of damage with them to the DARCs. Those who are unable to make it to the DARCs may call the Hilo office at: 933-9975.

Farmers suffering damage on other islands should contact their nearest HDOA office.

For more information on agricultural loans, call the Agricultural Loan Division at (808) 973-9460 or go the division’s webpage:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/

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