How the state helps banks lend to businesses

(a) The department shall establish a capital access program to assist a participating financial institution in making loans to businesses and nonprofit organizations that face barriers in accessing capital. (b) The department shall use money in the fund to make a deposit in a participating financial institution's reserve account in an amount specified by this chapter to be a source of money the institution may receive as reimbursement for losses attributable to loans in the program. (c) The department shall determine the eligibility of a financial institution to participate in the program and may set a limit on the number of eligible financial institutions that may participate in the program. (d) To participate in the program, an eligible financial institution shall enter into a participation agreement with the department that sets out the terms and conditions under which the department will make contributions to the institution's reserve account and specifies the criteria for a loan to qualify as a capital access loan. (e) To qualify as a capital access loan, a loan shall: (1) Be made to a small or medium-sized business or to a nonprofit organization; (2) Be used by the business or nonprofit organization for any project, activity, or enterprise in Hawaii that fosters economic development; and (3) Meet any other criteria provided by this chapter.