HILO, Hawai'i — Big Island residents and businesses affected by the Oct. 15 earthquakes are being reminded of approaching deadlines for seeking federal assistance.

The 6.7- and 6.0-magnitude temblors off the northwest side of the island caused millions of dollars in damage, with costly repairs still being tallied.

Dec. 22 is the last day to register for aid under President Bush's disaster declaration. Officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state Civil Defense said those still waiting for insurance settlements, contractor estimates or other documents should register, even if the information is not yet available.

"If you are waiting for an insurance settlement, you should register now because after the settlement, you may still have unmet needs that may be eligible for federal or state programs," said Ed Teixeira, state coordinating officer, in a statement.

To register, log on to www.fema.gov or call the registration help line, toll-free, at (800) 621-3362, or (800) 462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing- and speech-impaired. The help line will remain open until Dec. 22.

Anyone who already registered for earthquake assistance and suffered additional damage from aftershocks should contact FEMA to see if they are eligible for additional repair funds. Call the same toll-free number; officials said to have your registration number available.

Marilyn Shigetani, deputy federal coordinating officer, said residents hesitant to seek federal aid because of fears they will have to vacate their damaged homes can be assured that FEMA is required by law to protect their privacy.

"FEMA does not 'red tag' property," Shigetani said. "Our inspectors send their findings directly to a processing center, where they are used solely to determine the amount of damage and the amount of assistance you are eligible for."

Teixeira said that county officials determine whether a damaged building is safe for occupancy while it is being repaired. "If it is found to be unsafe, its residents may qualify for FEMA housing assistance while their home is being repaired," he said. "No one will be made homeless by the recovery process."

The county Department of Public Works has compiled a list of 30 architects and structural engineers who can be hired to restore damaged property. The list is available on the county Web site at www.co.hawaii.hi.us or by calling Public Works at 961-8321 during business hours.

The county also is compiling a list of licensed general, plumbing and electrical contractors. Contractors can submit their names and contact information to Public Works Deputy Director Jiro Sumada at 961-8321.

Meanwhile, workers who lost their jobs or part of their income as a result of the earthquakes have until Dec. 29 to file for federal disaster unemployment assistance. The program extends coverage only to people who would otherwise be ineligible for unemployment compensation under the regular state program, Teixeira said.

To apply for benefits, call Hawai'i Tele-Claim at 643-5555, or visit or call the Unemployment Claims Office in Hilo at 1990 Kino'ole St., Suite 101, or in Kona at the Ashikawa Building, 81-990 Haleki'i St., Suite 2090, in Kealakekua. The telephone number for the Hilo office is 974-4086, and for the Kona office, 322-4822.

Additional information on eligibility is available from the state Labor Department's Web site at http://hawaii.gov/labor/ui.

The county is working with FEMA to collect televisions, computers and other "e-waste," electronic devices ruined in the earthquakes. Dec. 30 is the last day to take e-waste to designated collection sites at county transfer stations and landfills. The material will be processed for shipping to the mainland for recycling and proper disposal.

Businesses can apply for a waiver on landfill tipping fees by filling out the appropriate form available at the Department of Environmental Management's Web site at http://co.hawaii.hi.us/directory/dir_envmng.htm#dir_solidwaste.

West Hawai'i residents will get another chance to recycle their e-waste Feb. 3 at the next Kona CompuCycle/eWaste event.

For more information, call Solid Waste Chief Mike Dworsky at 961-8339 or county Recycling Coordinator Linda Peters at 961-8942.

In addition to damaged homes and electronic equipment, and lost wages, the earthquakes may have extracted an emotional toll on some Big Island residents. For them, crisis counseling is available through a $283,090 FEMA grant to the state.

Teixeira said crisis counseling can help people deal with emotional reactions, such as sadness, despair and anger, caused by stressful situations. The results can include anxiety, difficulty sleeping, recurring nightmares and irritability.

Anyone in need of counseling can call the Hawai'i Crisis-Counseling-Immediate Services Program at 333-1455 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.