SBA Opens Disaster Loan Center in Maui to Help Fire-Affected Businesses

What Happened

The SBA disaster loan program expanded its reach this week when the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the opening of a disaster loan outreach center in Kihei, Maui on June 15, 2026. The center provides direct, in-person support for small business owners seeking disaster assistance following qualifying declared disasters in the region.

The facility offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which provide working capital to help small businesses meet their financial obligations that would have been manageable absent the disaster. According to the SBA announcement, the agency cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, with the exception of small aquaculture enterprises (SBA Disaster Assistance).

Why the Kihei SBA Disaster Loan Center Matters

Disaster loan outreach centers play a critical role in connecting affected business owners with federal assistance they might otherwise miss. Many small business owners struggle to navigate disaster loan applications remotely, making physical locations essential for maximizing program reach.

For Maui businesses still recovering from previous disaster events, the Kihei location removes a significant barrier. Rather than relying solely on online applications or phone support, owners can work directly with SBA staff to ensure their applications are complete and accurate. The SBA's disaster assistance programs have historically provided billions in relief to affected communities (SBA Disaster Assistance).

How to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans in Maui

Visit the outreach center in person. The Kihei location offers face-to-face assistance that can significantly improve application success rates. Bring documentation of your business operations, financial statements, and evidence of disaster-related losses.

Understand EIDL eligibility. Economic Injury Disaster Loans cover working capital needs caused by the disaster - this includes paying fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that the business could have paid if the disaster had not occurred. The loans are not intended for physical damage repair, which falls under separate SBA disaster loan programs.

Act within application deadlines. Disaster loan programs have firm deadlines tied to the disaster declaration date. The SBA typically provides a window of several months, but waiting too long can result in missed opportunities. Staff at the outreach center can confirm current deadlines for your specific situation.

Prepare for credit requirements. While disaster loans have more flexible underwriting than conventional business loans, the SBA still evaluates creditworthiness. Having organized financial records strengthens applications.

Consider loan amounts carefully. EIDLs provide working capital, not grants. Business owners should calculate actual needs rather than borrowing maximum available amounts. The SBA's standard operating procedures outline how loan amounts are determined based on demonstrated economic injury (SBA SOP 50-10).

For more information on SBA loan programs, see our guide on SBA loans. Hawaii business owners may also find our Hawaii small business resources helpful.

The opening of dedicated disaster assistance facilities reflects the SBA's ongoing commitment to small business recovery. For Maui business owners, the Kihei center represents direct access to federal resources designed specifically for disaster situations - resources that can mean the difference between recovery and closure.