Gov. Linda Lingle signed a letter yesterday asking for a presidential disaster declaration in response to extensive flooding in the Islands on Dec. 11 and 13, caused by heavy rains and high winds.

The governor's letter requests individual assistance and public assistance for Honolulu and public assistance for Kaua'i County.

Individual assistance would make additional money, plus loans and services, available to residents affected by the flooding, according to a statement released by the governor's office.

"Public assistance can provide funds, on a cost-sharing basis, to state and local government and some nonprofit agencies to repair damage caused by the storm to infrastructure and buildings," the statement said.

A declaration could also result in hazard mitigation grant program assistance to reduce the impact of future storms, the statement added.

"The storm came suddenly and affected a lot of residents severely," Lingle said in a statement. "If the request for federal disaster assistance is approved, it will help many families recover their losses."

More than 500 O'ahu residents reported damage to their residences or cars, officials said. Nearly half that number reported homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Kaua'i residents also suffered losses, and damage to public facilities exceeded $2.5 million, officials said.