State Offers Tips on Iselle Donations

Photo by Seth Welcker. Trees and electric lines down on the Kula Highway past the ʻUlupalakua General Store block access to transmitter sites for two Pacific Media Group stations that were knocked off the air by the storm. 8/8/2014.

By Maui Now Staff

As emergency managers continue to assist individuals and communities recovering from damage caused by the Tropical Cyclone Iselle, the general public may be looking for ways to help through donations or volunteering.

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and other established organizations offered the following tips on how to help:

Donate: At this time, state officials say monetary donations are the best way to immediately help recovery efforts on the Big Island and other areas impacted by Iselle. Donations enable recovery organizations to respond to and help people recover including providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses and people that make that help possible.

• American Red Cross Hawaiʻi Chapter: Phone: (808) 734-2101
• Hurricane Iselle Long-Term Relief and Recovery Fund: Iselle donations may be dropped off at any American Savings Bank.
• Aloha for Puna fund: First Hawaiian Bank announced the establishment of the fund to assist Big Island residents in the Puna region with relief and recovery efforts following storm Iselle. The bank has contributed the first $25,000 to the Fund.  Monetary donations are being accepted at all First Hawaiian Bank branches.  All contributions to the Fund will be donated to the Hawaiʻi Island United Way, directly benefiting affected residents through their member agencies in Puna, according to an announcement made today by Bob Harrison, First Hawaiian Bank chairman, president and chief executive officer. 

Volunteer: Individuals are encouraged to connect with a local relief agency for volunteer opportunities and to identify needs of individuals and communities impacted by Iselle. Volunteer groups or individuals can contact these organizations directly for opportunities.

• Volunteer through the American Red Cross website.
• Hawaiʻi State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.

How to report damage: 

• Maui residents can report damage to the County of Maui online.
• Hawaii residents can call (808) 935-0031 to report damage and (808) 961-8790 for any emergency water concerns.
• The number for the Hawaiian Electric Company help line is (808) 969-6666.