LIHUE — The Aloha Kauai fundraiser in Honolulu on Thursday raised $200,000 toward Kauai’s flood relief efforts.
“We were approached by friends from Kauai, now living in Honolulu, to do a fundraiser for their home island,” said Don Murphy of Murphy’s Bar &Grill. “Of course, we were happy to do what we can.”
Kurt Osaki, an organizer, was born and raised on Kauai.
“My friends and family on the island who were impacted by last month’s torrential rains are doing the best they can to move forward,” Osaki said. “But for many residents in various parts of Kauai, it is going to be a long road back to normal.”
The fundraiser included food, drink and entertainment. Proceeds will be administered by a committee of Kauai residents established by the Grove Farm Company Foundation.
“We are especially grateful for the huge outpouring of support for those affected by the recent floods,” Murphy said. “The generosity and aloha for our Kauai friends is very much appreciated.”
Reiko Matsuyama, director of finance at Grove Farm Co., said the committee identified three key areas of need on the island — youth, families, and farmers.
“We are trying to ensure that our efforts address the gaps in services,” Matsuyama said.
Donations to the relief effort can be mailed to Grove Farm Co. Foundation, 3-1859 Kaumuali‘i Highway, Lihue, HI 96766.
