Kona Low Business Recovery Grant Program

The Kona Low Business Recovery Grant Program is administered by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The program was established in response to the March 13 through March 27, 2026 Kona Low storm events, which caused significant physical and economic damage to businesses across Hawaiʻi Island. Funding for the program originates from state appropriations intended to support localized economic recovery, with a total allocation of $475,000 designated for distribution to eligible businesses within the County of Hawaiʻi. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to non-agricultural businesses that experienced storm-related physical damage or business interruption and continue to face unmet recovery needs not fully addressed by insurance or other assistance sources. The program specifically targets businesses that can demonstrate documented losses and ongoing financial hardship resulting from the storms. By focusing on unmet need, the program ensures that funds are directed toward gaps in recovery rather than duplicating other forms of aid. Grant funds may be used strictly for eligible storm-related recovery expenses. These include equipment repair or replacement, inventory replacement, temporary relocation costs, rent and utilities, and cleanup or water damage. All expenses must be directly tied to storm impacts and supported by documentation such as invoices, receipts, estimates, or financial records. Funds cannot be used for losses already covered by insurance, non-recovery-related expenses, business expansion, owner distributions not tied to payroll, fines, taxes, or any undocumented or fraudulent costs. This ensures accountability and alignment with the program’s recovery-focused objectives. Eligibility is limited to non-agricultural businesses that were operating within the County of Hawaiʻi prior to March 13, 2026, maintain a physical business location in the county, and employ 500 or fewer employees. Applicants must demonstrate documented physical damage or business interruption caused by the Kona Low events and must show that they have unmet recovery needs. Additional requirements include identifying eligible uses for funds and submitting a complete application with all required documentation, such as proof of business registration, tax returns, financial statements, insurance information, and evidence of storm-related losses. The application process requires submission through the Department of Research and Development’s online grant portal, with no acceptance of hard-copy applications. Applicants must ensure all required materials are submitted, as incomplete applications may be delayed or denied. The County reviews applications based on completeness, eligibility, documentation of impact, demonstrated unmet need, and availability of funds. The County also reserves the right to request additional documentation, verify information, and adjust or deny awards based on program criteria and funding limitations. Key program dates include the application opening on June 26, 2026, and a submission deadline of August 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM. An informational webinar is scheduled for July 9, 2026 to assist applicants in understanding program requirements. Award notifications are expected by September 18, 2026, and grant contracts will extend through March 31, 2027. Grantees are required to submit a final report by the end of the contract term documenting the use of funds and providing supporting financial records. Grant awards are structured in two tiers based on gross annual revenue as reported on the most recent federal tax return. Businesses with revenue of $250,000 or less may receive $5,000, while those with revenue between $250,000 and $5,000,000 may receive $10,000. Awards are contingent upon eligibility, documentation sufficiency, and funding availability. The program does not guarantee funding for all applicants and may prorate or limit awards if demand exceeds available funds.

Ensure all documentation clearly demonstrates storm-related impact and unmet need; avoid duplication of benefits by disclosing all other assistance; submit complete applications to prevent denial