HONOLULU(KHON2) — The city is getting closer to providing relief to businesses derailed by construction along Dillingham Blvd.
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But the Rail Transit Mitigation Fund, announced in July, hasn’t paid anyone yet because the city had to develop rules, a way accept applications, and award the funds.
Andy Kawano, director of the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS), said they are handling the program.
“We’re testing the portal right now and our platform, grant platform, and we should have it ready to be opened in the mid January time frame,” Kawano said.
Previous attempts to offer aid to businesses along the Skyline route failed.
In 2018 , $750,000 earmarked for business relief, was put back into the general fund because the city had no way to disperse the funds.
The extra time creating the platform was essential to getting the money to qualifying businesses.
Kawano said when the portal goes live mid January, they’ll likely accept applications for two weeks.