MEDIA RELEASE

The Office of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications to its Residential Emergency Repair Program (RERP). The RERP program was established in 1997 to make low-interest loans available to low-and moderate-income homeowners who are interested in repairing and improving their primary residence. The RERP loan can be used for roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work, sewer improvements, termite treatment and damages caused by termites or wood rot and the installation of a solar water heating system. Loans range from $2,500 to $25,000 at 3% interest. Loan payments are deferred for 15 years at which time full payment will be due. Applicants 62 years or older or with special needs, may have 30% of the principal balance of the loan forgiven as a grant. For more information or an application contact Dawnelle Forsythe at 959-4642. Application packets can also be found on-line at http://www.hawaii-county.com/directory/dir_housing.htm.