Hawaii quake damage to top $46 million

Preliminary damage estimates from the earthquake that shook Hawaii this weekend hit $46 million Tuesday, prompting President Bush to declare a major disaster and pave the way for federal aid.

Damage to seven schools and a harbor on the island of Hawaii, known as the Big Island, accounted for most of the preliminary figure, said Janet Snyder, a spokeswoman for Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim. Damage to businesses, homes, roads and bridges accounted for the rest.

"These figures are going to change radically, I believe," because information continued to stream in, Snyder said.

The damage estimate included $31 million for schools, $8 million at Kawaihae harbor, $4.89 million to businesses, $650,000 to homes, $800,000 to roads and $750,000 to bridges, Snyder said. A statewide figure, including damage to the other islands, was not available.

from CNN