The generosity on Kauai has always been above and
beyond.
Since this flood, the amount of kindness and giving has risen even more.
An example came in a phone call to The Garden Island Friday morning, a gentleman looking to get the word out about the Ohana Gas Relief Fund at the North Shore General Store at the 76 gas station in Princeville.
Already, it’s received a great response with numerous donations.
The store is teaming with Juan “Chito” Saenz and Malama Kauai to collect and distribute money to those who need to buy gas. A simple, effective idea. People, whether they could use assistance or are looking to give it, are doing a lot of driving back and forth, by both boat and car. All that hauling away of debris and ruined furniture burns up a lot of gas. Gas, we all know, is not cheap. Delivering supplies means driving and boating for many miles. Many are driving to and from the North Shore every day in response to this flooding disaster. Others are out of propane gas for their home.
If anyone wants to contribute, they can do so at the General Store. Give them a call at 826-1122.
The funds will be distributed through Saenz, 634-3526, and Malama Kauai.
“It’s already helping a lot of the guys going back and forth,” said a man with the general store.
Let’s touch on just a few more examples of those reaching out:
Pharmacies
And then we have folks like those at the island’s pharmacies.
On Thursday, North Shore Pharmacy representatives will travel via boat to Haena, probably launching from Anini Beach Park, to deliver prescription drugs and other medications and supplies to its customers.
They will be there from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clients who need something can call North Shore Pharmacy at 828-1844 and they’ll be sure to bring it along.
Now, that’s good service.
Other pharmacies are doing the same “to make sure that no one affected by the recent flooding events goes without medication.”
Lihue Pharmacy Group, Kevin, 635-4412
Lifeway Pharmacy, Lianne, 639-1891
Westside/Kalaheo Pharmacy, Brian, 645-0491
HMSA
Our friends at HMSA (Hawaii Medical Service Association) are supporting the recovery with a fundraising drive.
“Our aloha goes out to the people of Kauai as they recover from the destruction on last week’s storm,” said Michael Stollar, HMSA president and chief executive officer. “We want to kokua our family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Employees throughout HMSA will contribute up to $20,000 to support the Kauai United Way and the Kauai community after the devastating storm of last weekend. The health plan will match their donations for a total contribution of $40,000.
“Mayor Carvalho, his team, and the Kauai community have shown such fortitude since the storm. We want to do our part to help by donating to the Kauai United Way,” Stollar said.
In addition, HMSA members on Kauai can get emergency refills of their medications at any pharmacy.
Soltren, Ace
Another example: Soltren Construction and Ace Hardware joined hands to split the cost of supplies, including 20, five-gallon canisters of propane gas, 25 shovels, boxes of trash bags and heavy-duty gloves. The donated supplies worth more than $400 were taken to Hanalei to be delivered by boat to cutoff residents.
Faith community
A call went out from one church calling on members to “go up to the North Shore and do some muscle work.” Bring shovels, chain saws, trash bags, water and whatever else might come in handy. Many churches are doing the same.
TGI is getting reports of people driving to Hanalei and just looking for anyone who needs help with cleaning and hauling or even just a meal and an encouraging word. Some are driving ready to work, no questions asked. Just tell them what to do. Now that’s a good friend. And it’s that kind of attitude and effort that will turn the tide on this disaster.
Consider what our friends with The Salvation Army are doing: North Shore/Hanalei volunteers from the Lihue Corps served 343 meals, provided 136 snacks, 1,760 beverages, 220 hygiene kits, and helped residents clean up and clear rubbish and debris.
Spirit of aloha
It’s all amazing but, honestly, not surprising to anyone who lives on Kauai and shares the spirit of aloha.
“I appreciate the work and bravery of state, military, Kauai County crews, and community volunteers as they begin to assess the damage from this storm,” said state Rep. Nadine K. Nakamura.
If you want to help, please do. There are many agencies, community groups, faith organizations and individuals responding, with contributions of supplies, labor and money. We encourage you to be among them.
For volunteer opportunities, check with your church and ohana, as well as the Malama Kauai Volunteers Facebook group and touch base with American Red Cross, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency, or the YMCA.
