Fill your belly, help with flood relief

LIHUE — Those wanting to aid flood relief efforts can still do so by donating non-perishable goods or money, or you can dive into a Hula Pie to help out.

Currently, Duke’s Kauai and Keoki’s Paradise in Poipu are donating 100 percent of sales proceeds generated from their signature Hula Pie to flood relief efforts.

All you have to do is enjoy a slice of Hula Pie, and the money you paid will be contributed to Malama Kauai and Nalu Farms.

Those who don’t have Hula Pie on the brain can help out by donating money or non-perishable food to banking institutions like the Kekaha Federal Credit Union and First Hawaiian Bank.

Kekaha FCU will match up to $2,000 of the donations made at its branch through May 31. Cash and checks payable to “Kauai Independent Food Bank” will be collected at the branch at 8254 Kekaha Road. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Online donations can be made at kauaifoodbank.org. When filling out the billing information, type in “Kekaha FCU” in the company field to add donations to the bank’s matching total. Non-perishable goods may also be dropped off at the branch or at Kauai Independent Food Bank, 3285 Waapa Road in Lihue. In 1938, Kekaha Federal Credit Union became the second credit union founded on the island. Today, the bank has more than 1,600 members and assets of more than $20 million.

First Hawaiian Bank has also established a new fund for disaster relief in Hawaii in light of the flooding on Kauai and the Kilauea Volcano Eruption on Hawaii Island.

Donations can now be made at any of First Hawaiian Bank’s 61 branches located in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan and are being accepted through May 31.

One hundred percent of the donated funds will support The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services in Hawaii providing direct assistance to the affected communities, according to Bob Harrison, First Hawaiian Bank chairman and chief executive officer.

“Our island communities have always mobilized quickly to bring assistance and comfort to those in need. This is especially true in the outpouring of support for those affected by the recent Kilauea Volcano Eruption on the Big Island and the flooding on Kauai and in East Oahu,” said Harrison. “To assist in the effort, we encourage anyone wanting to help to make a monetary donation to the Aloha for Hawaii Fund at any of our First Hawaiian Bank branches. All funds collected will go directly to those in need and support the hard work and efforts of our partner the Salvation Army.”

The funds will support efforts to provide water, shelter, food, clothes and emotional support to those affected by the recent volcanic activity and flooding.

Donations can be made at all First Hawaiian Bank branches in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan and also can be made online at www.hawaii.salvationarmy.org or by calling The Salvation Army – Hawaiian &Pacific Islands Divisional Headquarters at 808-988-2136.