POIPU — Giving to people in need is always a good thing to do, said Scott Giarman, executive director of the Kauai United Way during the 2018 Campaign Kickoff on Wednesday.
“But giving should not be an ‘either-or’ thing,” Giarman said. “Giving should be an ‘in-addition-to’ event. When the Kauai United Way created a special fund to help those whose lives were disrupted by the floods and landslides in April, that was not part of the annual campaign. It was in addition to. Kauai United Way partner agencies are there when there are emergency needs. But, equally important, they are also there addressing
everyday problems.”
Kauai United Way announced its 2018 goal of $675,000 before an audience of about 100 people at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort &Spa.
The date was rescheduled from a previous date due to Hurricane Lane.
“We postponed this once,” Giarman said. “We did not want to do it again because Tropical Storm Olivia is knocking on our door. We cannot let ourselves be distracted.”
Kauai United Way supports more than 80 social service programs through its network of 25 partner agencies.
“’Money raised on Kauai stays on Kauai’ is something I like,” said Ron Mizutani, president and CEO of the Hawaii Foodbank, who offered special guest remarks. “Kauai is my home — I was born here, have many memories of growing up here, and was affected by the disasters like Hurricane Iniki that struck the island 26 years ago.”
His involvement with the Hawaii Foodbank keeps him connected to Kauai where, under the supervision of Wes Perreira and Michelle Panoke, the Kauai branch serves up more than 1.2 million pounds of food to nearly 18 percent of the island’s population, and is poised to react from the passage of Tropical Storm Olivia, whose visit comes 26 years and a day after Hurricane Iniki.
Giarman said United Way helps many people, from an addict wanting to come clean, a child who needs a little extra attention, and families struggling with an illness.
“We need to help those affected by sudden catastrophes, yes. But we need to take care of our on-going social needs at home first,” he said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
