KILAUEA — Dr. Priscilla Chan and her husband, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, part-time residents of Kilauea, have donated $1 million toward COVID-19 relief on Kaua‘i, which will add to $4.5 million in federal funding announced Saturday to aid during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i Community Fund grants are for health care, food security, rent assistance, education and other essential needs, and were given to Wilcox Medical Center, Hawai‘i Community Foundation and ‘Aina Ho‘okupu ‘O Kilauea.
“People and organizations are stepping up in extraordinary ways to prevent the spread of this virus and support one another. We’re grateful for all that our partners are doing, and we’re glad to support their work on Kaua‘i,” said Chan.
Wilcox Medical Center funds will be used to purchase personal protective equipment and supplies and support general operations throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
“This donation to Wilcox Medical Center for COVID-19 relief efforts will significantly impact our work as we fight to protect everyone on Kaua‘i from this virus,” said Jen H. Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kaua‘i Medical Clinic.
HCF has partnered with county and state governments and their statewide network of nonprofit organizations and the private sector to determine critical needs and response plans. HCF’s four-phase process includes risk reduction and disaster readiness, rapid relief and response, recovery and stabilization, and rebuilding resilience.
“Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg have consistently supported the Kaua‘i community, and especially in times of crisis,” said Micah Kane, HCF president and CEO. “We are grateful for their generous and quick response to provide emergency support to those who need it most.”
The $4.5 million in federal funding announced Saturday is aimed toward supporting public-transit operations during the pandemic, and is part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
“For the essential workers who rely on public transportation, this new funding means the Kaua‘i bus system will have the resources to continue operating, while keeping passengers and transit employees safe,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“As this emergency evolves, public transportation is critical,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “This federal funding helps us focus existing county resources toward other immediately pressing needs. Mahalo to our congressional delegation,” said Kawakami.
The federal funds can help pay for the expenses necessary to operate, maintain, and manage the Kaua‘i bus system, and can be used for such costs as driver salaries, fuel, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies. The funding can also be used for administrative leave, such as leave for employees due to reductions in service or leave required for a quarantined worker.
Funny how the locals don’t complain about Federal $$ and assistance but drive around with “Haole Go Home” “Dont forget to Leave” and “No Tourists” stickers and signs on their cars. But keeping the federal Funds flowing when it suits them is hypocritical- maybe this shut down will help those who dislike the visitors with white skin, remember who helps to feed their families, and that the federal government whose tax dollars are collected from a whole lotta Haoles was once again throwing dough at Hawaii- the state that wants to be an independent kingdom- Haven’t heard of any DHHL money to help Corona, Have you?
@Khsgrad
We all pay taxes–not just “haoles.” Your comment simply isn’t correct.
I would personally like to thank the Zuckerberg family for again supporting the island of Kauai. Their generous donation will go far on this tiny island. Mahalo!!!
That is a very heartwarming story, some many people are critical of the Zuckerbergs and their politics, but this is their human character. We should all give charity as we are able and not concern ourselves with what others do.
Patrick H Flores, Wailua Houselots
Thanks Zuk, but really 1 million dollars.
Based on your net worth that’s aprox. $1.00 to most Kauai residents. Perhaps you can re think your donation and provide real relief for the island and its residents that are facing real danger, starvation, going homeless. Folks like you are all talk, and thankless for the tax relief provided you and Facebook by the President. You personally benefited from the tax relief placed into law, my guess is it was hundreds of millions of dollars you didn’t have to to pay. Step up to the plate and stop waiting for the Federal government to bail everyone out and show your support to Kauai.
Mark your a selfish PIG try again and perhaps 100 million would be better, heck its all a right off for you anyways.
Mahalo!
Aloha Kauai Doug,…….First, I think that to not identify yourself when making such hostile comments is basically very inappropriate. Be a man dude. To criticize a donor to Kauai’s wellbeing is very inappropriate. Very bad conduct and I HOPE Kauai residents express their appreciation to the Zuckerberg family.
I hope their charity will kick in again as the most helpful organizations with food distribution. The Rototarians and Malama. Please help as they are out of funds.