President Bush yesterday declared a major disaster in Hawai'i due to the severe storms and flooding in December, which makes federal money available to people who experienced storm-related damages on O'ahu.

The heavy rain and wind battered the Islands, particularly O'ahu, and led to flooding, mudslides and power outages.

According to the White House announcement, people on O'ahu are eligible for grants for temporary housing and home repairs and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses.

Federal money is also accessible to the state, local governments and some private non-profit groups to help offset the costs of emergency response and to repair or replace storm-damaged facilities on O'ahu and Kaua'i.

Kenneth Tingman was named the federal coordinating officer for recovery operations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The federal Small Business Administration also announced yesterday that low-interest loans are available to businesses, homeowners and renters on O'ahu to repair storm damages.

Gov. Linda Lingle issued a state disaster declaration on Dec. 12 for O'ahu, Kaua'i and Maui and later requested the federal disaster declaration and the SBA assistance. Lingle has also asked for federal agricultural assistance for O'ahu and Kaua'i.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a statement yesterday that Honolulu would receive more than $3 million in federal aid in response to the storms. The mayor said FEMA may make additional federal money available later if warranted.

"The federal aid will assist our residents in recovering from the storm and flood damage," Hannemann said. "I saw firsthand some of the devastation, and I'm grateful the president stepped up to the plate to help our local residents.

"I want to thank the city and state teams that helped with the assessment in the wake of the floods. Their hard work helped us to secure the federal assistance that our people need and deserve."

People can start applying for assistance today, according to FEMA, by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA(3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.