Farmers on the Hawaii islands of Kauai and Oahu that suffered the most damage in the heavy winds and rain storms in March will be eligible for federal low interest loans.

A variety of programs will be offered through the Farm Service Agency. Those who may be eligible must fill out applications at their local Farm Services office by Dec. 26th.

For more information and to check eligibility requirements visit the these websites.

For Federal Disaster Loans

For State Agricultural Loans

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau has launched a new campaign aimed at promoting the 50th state to visitors.

After heavy rains caused damage to the islands in March, the weather in April has been splendid. The Bureau sent out a press release to all media on the U.S. Mainland accompanied by a picture of two kids playing on the beach at Princeville Resort on Monday.

The ad says, “Following unusually heavy rainfall in March, Kauai has experienced beautiful, sunny weather in April.”

The main focus of this campaign will be the islands of Kauai and Oahu, which suffered the most damage during the storm.

Neighbor island home prices continued soaring last month, but industry experts say the market is nonetheless showing signs of stabilizing.

Kauai single-family home prices led the islands in March, with the median resale price hitting $850,000, up 65 percent from $515,000 in the same month last year, according to data released yesterday by the Hawaii Information Service.

Maui and Kauai median house prices were higher than on Oahu, where the median hit $650,000 in March, up from $525,000 last year, according to data released earlier this month.