LIHUE — Those stranded on the North Shore have put out wish lists asking for their necessities through Malama Kauai, just one of the many organizations that have rushed to help.
“Anything on these lists should be held back at staging areas and not brought north for now,” said a Malama Kauai representative. “Many areas are overwhelmed with things not needed.”
Boats to shuttle supplies and duct tape have risen to the top of the list as volunteers and donations have flooded into the North Shore with the same force as the storm that wreaked devastation on homes and businesses, vehicles and roads.
Much of it is being organized on Facebook, according to Malama Kauai and volunteer Christian O’Connor who is helping coordinate supply shuttling to Wainiha and Ha’ena from Princeville.
“A lot of the people that live up there, that’s their only form of communication right now,” O’Connor said. “They’re using Facebook to get word out to families and ask for supplies.”
She’s been coordinating supply drops via boat from harbors and properties, including Laird Hamilton’s dock.
“Laird and his brother have been running around like the angels of the North Shore, saving people and getting them supplies,” O’Connor said. “It was awesome using his dock to get the boats loaded.”
That specific load of supplies was an answer to specific requests from people in the isolated area and was collected through community donations of things like dog food, paper towels, charcoal and lighters, fresh fruit and diapers.
All of them were loaded into waterproof containers, also donated by community members.
“Savino has a boat, so he’s taking supplies over and we’re just loading everything in trucks and taking it over to the boat,” O’Connor said.
While she was coordinating helpers like Rob Pollock, of Princeville and Savino Mai, of Kalihiwai, three community members showed up to help.
They didn’t have a plan or supplies, just three guys with a truck ready to lend a hand.
It took a moment for O’Connor to get them worked into the flow of the relief efforts, but the guys, who asked to remain nameless, were able to help transport a few supplies to the drop off point.
That kind of impromptu volunteering, while admirable, isn’t always helpful, O’Connor said, and the Kauai Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster organization reiterated her point on Facebook on Wednesday.
“The number of spontaneous volunteers is heartening, but not helpful,” organizers of Kauai VOAD wrote on Wednesday.
On the south side, supplies and outreach have also been pouring into Koloa and the surrounding areas, which were also hit hard by the storm.
Pacific Missile Range Facility has been lending a hand as well, and is part of the team providing relief of displaced Kauai residents, working with the Robinson Family and the U.S. Pacific Fleet as well as other first responders.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to assist our neighbors and provide support to friends and loved ones,” said PMRF commanding officer, Capt. Vinnie Johnson. “We are working closely with our ohana (family) on Kauai and we are most thankful for the great support and cooperation from the Robinson family.”
Those who are looking to help have a few ways to lend a hand, but volunteering will be most impactful if you link up with an organization that knows what’s needed on the ground.
American Red Cross is staffing distribution centers on the South Side and is looking for volunteers on that front through Friday.
There are other distribution centers through the Red Cross on the island, and those who want to volunteer can find a way to help by calling the Disaster Relief Hotline at 645-1384.
Another way to help is to donate money — and only money, not stuff — to the Hawaii Food Bank, Kauai Branch, Kauai Independent Food Bank, the Salvation Army with funds designated for Kauai and the American Red Cross.
People are rallying together in all forms and announcing volunteering opportunities all over the island on Facebook, like Abe Kowitz and the musicians from Call It Joy band, who are putting together labor teams to help clear driveways and clean trash from places like Hanalei Bay.
You can reach the guys at Call It Joy at ahola@depii.com or just find them on Facebook to get on board with their team.
In Kalihiwai, Brittney Bergeron is organizing debris removal, home cleaning, and other volunteering after the flood and is organizing people to help. Contact her at 419-7553 or at Brittney@creativitychrysalis.com.
Karolyn Freuler has been preparing food for first responders and relief groups, and said she’s welcoming baked deseserts and easy-to-eat finger foods. Text 635-3722 or email karolynfreuler@gmail.com to help with that.
For more volunteer opportunities, check out the Malama Kauai Volunteers Facebook group and touch base with American Red Cross, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, or the YMCA.
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Jessica Else, environmental reporter, can be reached at 245-0452 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
