Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by the recent Hawaii’s Kilauea eruption on the Big Island. I currently have clients and friends that live in the Puna area and I’ve heard the situation for them is very serious. So far there are now at least 12 of these fissures as of Tuesday night around the Leilani Estates area. I recommend viewing Hawaii’s civil defense for updated information about eruption and evacuations. I found some valuable information on Hawaii News Now website that I wanted to share with my visitors.
► AT&T has activated its text-to-donate line. To donate via phone, text REDCROSS to 90999. That text will send $10 to the American Red Cross and their recovery efforts to assist residents impacted by the eruption and subsequent earthquakes.
► Donations may also be made directly to the American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter by clicking here or calling (808) 739-8109.
► Emergency Disaster Services and volunteers from the Salvation Army are requesting large-volume meal donations from local restaurants and certified kitchens to meal shelters beginning Wednesday. To donate meals, call Salvation Army at 808-756-0306.
► Donations of food and bottled water can be given to Food Basket or Hawaii Island’s Foodbank.
► In addition to monetary donations, the Red Cross is also accepting non perishable food items, fresh fruit, canned goods, and disposable coffee cups. Those wishing to donate should note that the Red Cross can only accept these items.
► GoFundMe has a page listing several funds that have been started to support families and individuals affected by the Kilauea eruptions.
► Several local businesses and organizations have also pitched in to support Big Island residents affected by the destructive lava flows. On Sunday, First Hawaiian Bank donated $50,000 to provide support to Big Island residents displaced by recent eruptions. The bank partnered with Child and Family Service to offer direct assistance to affected residents with transitional housing and counseling for individuals and families with children experiencing trauma.
They are also collecting donations at all 61 branches in Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan as part of their Aloha Hawaii Fund, to provide relief for victims of the Kilauea eruptions, as well as recovery efforts for flood victims on Kauai and East Oahu.
► Customers at any Foodland or Sack N’ Save in Hawaii will also be able to donate $5, $10, or $20 to help Big Island residents displaced by the eruptions, beginning on Wednesday.
► HILife will also be donating a percentage of its proceeds from their Kokua collection to assist the Salvation Army’s recovery and relief efforts for the recent flood and eruption victims on Kauai, East Oahu, and the Big Island.
To my clients and friends on the Big Island, please stay strong and we will continue to pray for your safety. Mahalo