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Disaster declaration issued for Marco Polo fire

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Honolulu Fire Department helicopter flies near a fire burning on a floor at the Marco Polo apartment complex, July 14.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Honolulu officials have issued disaster declarations for the fire at the Marco Polo condominium project, opening up low-interest federal loans to Marco Polo owners and tenants in need, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office said today.

“These disaster declarations will support victims of the Marco Polo fire with low-interest loans and insurance claim assistance,” Caldwell said in a statement. “In addition to the lives tragically lost, hundreds of residents and owners suffered property damage in the fire and the city, state, and federal government must work together to help them recover.”

Gov. David Ige made the formal request for the declaration to the Small Business Administration this month, city officials said.

The SBA will open a disaster loan outreach center at the Marco Polo at 9 a.m. Thursday. The center will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sept. 28.

Click here to apply online or receive additional disaster assistance information. SBA’s customer service can be reached at (800) 659-2955 or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The deadline to apply for property damage is Nov. 13 and the deadline to apply for economic injury is June 11, officials said.

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