The Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications to its Residential Emergency Repair Program.

The 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.

Loans 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.

Three percent interest will be charged on the loans, which range from $2,500 to $25,000.

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 percent 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.

For more information, please call Dawnelle Forsythe at 959-4642 or email her at ohcdeh@co.hawaii.hi.us.