Hawai‘i Red Cross unlikely to send volunteers

LIHU‘E — The top American Red Cross official on Kaua‘i says relief efforts in Haiti in response to Tuesday’s deadly earthquake will likely not include Hawai‘i volunteers due to the great distance between the 50th state and the devastated island nation.

“At this time, the Red Cross is only deploying volunteers specifically trained to handle international emergency operations,” Julia Hall, Kaua‘i County Director of the Hawai‘i State Chapter of the American Red Cross, said Tuesday.

“While Hawai‘i State Chapter ARC volunteers are always trained and ready to respond to disasters large and small, it does not seem likely that any volunteers will be sent from the Hawai‘i State Chapter to assist with the Haiti relief operation.”

Hall said the relief efforts are currently focused on search-and-rescue operations that involve civil support teams and military personnel. At a later stage, or if a specific skill-set is required, a Kaua‘i- or Hawai‘i-based volunteer may be called in to help in Haiti.

“We would love to send somebody down there, honestly,” Hall said.

However, the great distance — more than 5,000 miles — between Hawai‘i and Haiti is also a consideration, as location is a consideration. Hawai‘i was at the top of the list for aid to American Samoa after a tsunami there in recent months.

Donors can call in donations to the Hawai‘i Red Cross at (808) 739-8109, go on-line at www.hawaiiredcross.org or mail donation to American Red Cross, Hawai‘i State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816, according to a press release.

If you would like to donate specifically to the Haiti relief effort, indicate so on your check or when you call, and your donor intent will be honored, the release states.

• Michael Levine, assistant news editor, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mlevine@kauaipubco.com.