LIHU‘E — The image will never be erased from Bertram Almeida’s mind. Almeida said he, like hundreds of other Kaua‘i people, was riveted to the television set while images of the destruction from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami continuously flashed
LIHU‘E — The image will never be erased from Bertram Almeida’s mind.
Almeida said he, like hundreds of other Kaua‘i people, was riveted to the television set while images of the destruction from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami continuously flashed across the screen.
One image, a young boy staring at a heap of rubble where his house once stood, alone because his parents and siblings perished in the disaster, stuck in Almeida’s mind. Whenever someone mentions the incident the image pops up in his mind.
“I just cannot get that scene out of my head,” Almeida said. “We just have to do something.”
Almeida, his wife Cristy La‘amea Almeida and Blaine Kamalani Kia, directors of Ka Laua‘e Foundation, were prompted to help raise funds for Japan’s recovery from the disaster through a benefit concert, “Aloha Kaua‘i for Japan,” which will be held Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Vidinha fields.
Ka Laua‘e Foundation is joined by the Malie Foundation, Ron Victorino, Edee Bandmann, Mardi Gras Entertainment, Lorraine Wichman, Vance Pascua, Charles Iona and MartinRoberts Design to spearhead this effort to help the Japan victims, families and businesses directly affected by the recent disasters as well as the current nuclear crises which stretch from Sendai to Fukushima, down into Tokyo and surrounding towns and areas.
“This is going to be a real family event with a craft booth, food, a children’s area with bouncers, entertainment, and more,” Victorino said.
Contributions are now being accepted. People wanting to make financial contributions can contact Jodi Hashimoto-Omo at The Malie Foundation. People who want to be part of the vendors or provide entertainment contributions can contact Bertram Almeida at 651-3000, or Victorino at 634-4228.
Aloha Kaua‘i for Japan Benefit Concert will stand as a testament of a strong commitment to the “aloha spirit” and goodwill toward mankind, states a letter of intent from Ka Laua‘e Foundation.
There is no better way to show aloha than for the local community to come together in song and dance, the letter states.
Call Bertram at 651-3000, or Victorino at 634-4228 for more information.
