Hawaiian Council launched Kākoʻo Oʻahu, a campaign to raise money for individuals impacted by the recent floods caused by back-to-back Kona low storms.
As part of the initiative, Hawaiian Council, formerly the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, pledged to match every donation up to $100,000. As of Monday, March 23, the fundraiser had already surpassed its goal with more than a thousand people raising a total of $116,030.
The recent storm led to evacuation orders for residents of Haleʻiwa and Waialua. It also flooded homes, roads and farms. As rain continuted to fall over the weekend, concerns mounted that Wahiawā Dam might fail and pour water into neighboring communities. Gov. Josh Green has estimated damages could top $1 billion statewide.
“This is a time for our community to come together,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council, in a written statement. “It is our kuleana to care for one another, and right now, so many families have been displaced, homes have been damaged, and communities are facing immediate needs. The path to recovery begins now — it cannot wait.”
Recently, Hawaiian Council opened Kaula Lūʻau at Ocean's Edge at Ko Olina Resort in West Oʻahu. Hawaiian Council will have use of the land for the lūʻau, the marina that supports the lūʻau, and a parking area for 18 months free of rent, Lewis told Aloha State Daily. Proceeds from operations will support the council’s work.
Donations to the campaign are tax deductible. To donate, go to: hawaiiancouncil.org.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
