LIHU‘E — Leland Kahawai of First Hawaiian Bank has seen first-hand the increasing need for food because of living close to one of the Grab and Go meal sites presented by the Department of Education, and the Police, Pastors &Platters breakfast distribution presented by the Kaua‘i Police Department and New Hope Lihu‘e.
“You folks at the food banks do good work,” Kahawai said Monday when he presented a $25,000 award to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank. “People need food, and you can see the appreciation they feel while going through the drive-throughs.”
The $25,000 contribution is part of the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation’s Aloha for Hawai‘i campaign that was launched in April that provides support for nonprofits with food supply and health and human service programs for people impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“These funds will all be used for food distribution,” said Kelvin Moniz, the KIFB executive director. “Starting Saturday, the County of Kaua‘i is partnering with the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, and the Hawai‘i Foodbank, Kaua‘i Branch to provide food boxes for people at the convention hall. This program will continue for the next four weeks.”
The Aloha for Hawai‘i campaign was launched in mid-April in support of Hawai‘i restaurants with the goal of donating a dollar for every take-out meal that was paid using a First Hawaiian Bank debit or credit card.
The campaign has the potential to generate millions in revenue for the restaurant industry by helping restaurant workers, distributors, farms, and other vendors who are dependent on the restaurant orders to stay in business.
“Our community is known for its ability to come together in times of need,” said Bob Harrison, the First Hawaiian Bank president and CEO. “Aloha for Hawai‘i is a way for everyone to come together and support their favorite restaurant and the organizations that help those who are being impacted most by this pandemic.”
Diane Rapozo of First Hawaiian Bank said the Aloha for Hawai‘i campaign is an ongoing program, and for more information, people are able to visit www.fhb.com/aloha.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
