I’m sure everyone has heard stories by now about the devastation and loss felt by many people on our island due to the recent storms. The flooding of the past few days has been greater than many of us have ever seen. I am not surprised at all that many members and friends of Koloa Union Church are asking, “How can we help our neighbors?” Although there are several groups coordinating relief efforts and the needs seem to be changing daily, there are three specific areas in which I believe our church can assist right away.
Kauai Association of the United Church of Christ
The Rev. Glenn Frazier, a retired minister who is a member of Church of the Pacific in Princeville, has preached at our church on several occasions, lives in Princeville, and is helping to coordinate recovery efforts on the north shore. According to Glenn, there are people who need immediate assistance, and he is happy to talk to potential volunteers who are willing to help. You can call Glenn at 808-634-0041 for further information, or the Church of the Pacific office at 808-826-6253. Waioli Huiia Church in Hanalei suffered extensive damage from the flood; according to Glenn, they have been receiving plenty of help and do not need additional help at the moment. Clyde Fujikawa, pastor of Church of the Pacific, is a kalo farmer in Hanalei, and his farm has suffered tremendous damage. He will soon need volunteers with chainsaws to help him clear debris and labor help in general (not immediately, but soon). Anyone who might be able to assist can call Clyde directly at 808-639-9601.
Koloa Union Church
Beginning this weekend, Chel Hauser, will be making daily trips to Princeville to deliver supplies and assist in the clean up and restoration efforts. Chel is working with a variety of organizations who are partnering in these efforts: Ha Coffee Bar (a donation drop location), Natural Pet Hawaii (providing and transporting animal foods, medicines and supplies) and Kauai Animal Welfare Society (assisting in the clean up of homes, businesses, schools, churches, etc). I have agreed to let Chel use our church storage shed to collect supplies, which she will deliver on a semi-daily basis. Feel free to drop off any of the following items on Sunday morning, or else Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon:
Household:
Butane canisters and propane (all sizes)
Large storage totes
Chainsaws
Coolers
Tarps
Gloves
Big black contractor trash bags
Gasoline (labeled regular and diesel)
Hand sanitizer
Bleach/Clorox Wipes/Spray bottles
Personal:
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet tissue
Diapers – sizes infant through 5
Shampoo and conditioner
Body soap
Rubber boots
Sleeping bags
Blankets
Food:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
All Bran cereal
Soy/Rice/Almond milk
Juice, coffee, tea
The Shops at Kukuiula/A&B Properties, Kukuiula Development, Hawaii Life, and Poipu Beach Resort Association
These organizations are collecting items for a Kauai Disaster Relief Drive tomorrow, Wednesday, April 18, from 3pm-6pm at The Shops at Kukuiula in the Palm Court area and 10am-6pm (Poipu Beach Resort Association Office); specifically collecting bottled water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, gloves, trash bags, etc. Items will be delivered to Kauai Red Cross for distribution. Financial donations will be dispersed to Kauai Red Cross and Malama Kauai. Anyone with questions can call The Shops at Kukuiula management office at 808-742-9545 or the PBRA office at 742-7444.
As a reminder, it is important to work directly with an organization or resident of an affected home or area. Sometimes well meaning people can get in the way or cause further delays by trying to help in ways that are not helpful. Furthermore, limited resources should be used to provide meaningful assistance, rather than clutter or interruptions of important work.
If you hear of immediate needs here in Koloa where people can contribute or volunteers can become involved, let me know and I will be happy to pass on the information to others. In the meantime, let us continue to pray for our neighbors on Kauai who have experienced many losses. If anyone wants to contribute a financial donation through the church, you can do that at any time; please make checks out to the church with “Flood Recovery” in the note section, and we will make sure it is used in the best way possible to help victims of the flood.
Mahalo Nui Loa for your Kokua!
Kahu Alan Akana
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