LIHU‘E — In the wake of the March 11 tsunami and earthquake that left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands in misery in Japan, Hawai‘i is banding together to provide relief to a nation that has tight cultural ties with
LIHU‘E — In the wake of the March 11 tsunami and earthquake that left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands in misery in Japan, Hawai‘i is banding together to provide relief to a nation that has tight cultural ties with the islands.
The day after Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, First Hawaiian Bank CEO Don Horner announced the establishment of a relief fund to assist survivors.
As of Friday morning, the fund had already collected $269,000, according to FHB Region Manager Michael Murakoshi. First Hawaiian Bank injected another $100,000, bringing the fund to $369,000.
Contributions can be made in any First Hawaiian Bank branch through March 31. Checks should be made to JASH (Japan-America Society of Hawai‘i). Murakoshi said 100 percent of the funds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.
Murakoshi said that on Wednesday the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and Japan’s General Consul issued a release coordinating a statewide relief effort.
“Hawai‘i’s banking institutions, including First Hawaiian Bank, have all agreed to serve as collection points for monetary donations. This statewide effort is entitled Aloha for Japan,” Murakoshi said.
First Hawaiian Bank plans to have raised at least $500,000 by March 31.
Hilo Hattie
Hilo Hattie stores set up a donation program with the American Red Cross to help people affected by the disaster. All eight stores statewide, including Kaua‘i’s Hilo Hattie, will be accepting monetary donations for the relief efforts.
“We would like to make it convenient for visitors to Hawai‘i and for our local residents to support the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts for a country with whom we share a great kinship,” said Donald Kang, president and CEO of Pomare, parent company of Hilo Hattie.
Hilo Hattie will be accepting donations through March 31. Go to www.hilohattie.com for more information.
All collections will be given to the American Red Cross disaster relief. Donations to the Red Cross also can be made by calling directly the Kaua‘i Red Cross branch at 245-4919.
United Way
Kauai‘i United Way Executive Director Scott Giarman said United Way Worldwide has informed Kaua‘i United Way, plus all local United Ways in the globe, that they are now collecting donations to be transferred to the local United Way — called a Community Chest in Japan — in the devastated area.
“The advantage of giving via United Way is that the funds will be allocated by local people within the affected area who will know where it is needed most,” Giarman said.
Donations to help the local United Way/Community Chest in Japan can be made by sending a check made out to Kauai‘i United Way, with a note indicating its purpose. Send checks to P.O. Box 1087, Lihue, 96766, or call in a credit card number to 245-2043.
Lions Club
The West Kaua‘i Lions Club is asking for assistance in promoting its volunteer recognition and tsunami relief program.
The program will include recognition of volunteers from communities throughout the island, guest speakers, and also entertainment. Paul Togioka, Lion Naoko Ho, and Kauai‘i Taiko are scheduled to perform.
With the recent tragic events in Japan, the West Kauai‘i Lions Club will be collecting monetary donations exclusively for the tsunami relief.
“I am chairing this volunteer and tsunami relief program and truly need your help in making this a success. All money donations for the tsunami relief will be sent to Japan either through the American Red Cross or the Lions Clubs International Foundation,” First Vice District Governor Lion Eric Nordmeier said.
Call Nordmeier at 651-9166 to donate or to volunteer to entertain.
Foodland and Western Union
Foodland supermarkets has a “Kokua Japan” program.
Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match customer donations made at checkout to support disaster relief efforts in Japan. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 by the Western Union Foundation and up to $50,000 by Foodland, for a total matching gift of $150,000.
Foodland’s “Kokua Japan” program will run through April 3, statewide. Funds will be sent to the American Red Cross.
Customers are invited to make a $5, $10 or $20 donation, which will be added to the customer’s grocery purchase. Customers are also invited to donate their spare change in the coin canisters at checkout.
Western Union will offer a “Fee-Free Transfer” initiative through April 17 at all Foodland, Sack N Save and other Western Union Agent locations, allowing consumers to send money transfers to friends and family in Japan fee-free.
‘Kokua for Japan’
“Kokua for Japan,” a Hawai‘i-based radio, TV and Internet fundraising event for the Japanese disaster victims will be held April 10, at Great Lawn at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, on O‘ahu. All proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Several TV stations will be airing the event, including KITV 4, KFVE, KGMB, KHNL, KHON TV, CW and OC 16. The event will also be streamed live on the web by KITV 4, OC 16 and Clear Channel Radio Hawai‘i.
KHON is also partnering with the Hawai‘i State Chapter of the American Red Cross for a fundraising telethon during its news broadcasts on March 23 to raise money for the Japan disaster victims.
Oceanic and Verizon
Oceanic’s residential digital phone customers are able to call Japan free of charge through April 15. The program is retroactive for all calls placed on March 11. The program will cover any direct call to Japan.
Digital phone customers who are making calls to Japan during the eligible period do not need to make any changes to their accounts in order to take advantage of this program.
Verizon is also offering free calls to Japan for most wireless and residential customers through April 10. In addition, Verizon Wireless is offering free texting and multimedia messaging to Japan during the same period.
Verizon Wireless has also made it easy for customers to make $10 donations through text messaging. Customers can choose from 10 organizations aiding Japan disaster victims.
• ADRA relief: text SUPPORT to 85944
• American Red Cross: text REDCROSS to 90999
• Convoy of Hope: text TSUNAMI or SUNAMI to 5055
• Global Giving: text Japan to 5055
• International Medical Corps: text MED to 80888
• Mercy Corps: text MERCY to 25383
• Salvation Army: text JAPAN to 80888
• Save the Children Federation: text Japan or TSUNAMI to 20222
• World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals: text WAVE to 50555
• World Vision: text 4JAPAN or 4TSUNAMI to 20222
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@kauaipubco.com.
