KOHALA, Hawaii -- Gov. Linda Lingle and her Cabinet members toured the earthquake damage on the Big Island on Thursday.

A number of residents in the Kohala area told Lingle that they are concerned that damage to their homes and businesses isn't being taken seriously enough.

The governor began the tour at Kona Airport, where they boarded a National Guard Black Hawk helicopter. For some Cabinet members, it was the first time they had a chance to see the damage on the ground personally.

They flew over Kealakekua Bay and the coast to check out landslide damage. From there they went on to Hawi, where they visited with teachers and fifth-graders at Kohala Elementary School.

The group then went to the badly-damaged Kalahikiola Congregational Church. About 40 residents showed up at the church to talk to the governor.

They were worried about earthquake damage to their homes and wondered when the county will set up recovery centers so they can begin to file claims.

"It is still now our focus in this recovery to help in this recovery effort to help you resume your lives as best we can. I will give you the best information I have, and when I don't have it I am going to get back to you," Lingle said.

After the time at the church, the governor flew to Hilo for a briefing with Big Island Mayor Harry Kim.

The number of condemned houses on the Big Island continues to climb. It rose on Thursday to 23 houses considered unsafe for habitation until they are either extensively repaired or torn down. Most of the condemned homes are in the south Kohala area.