Airbnb expands disaster response program

KAILUA-KONA — As the number of evacuated residents in lower Puna mounts because of the Kilauea volcano eruption, so does the need for open doors.

Airbnb announced Tuesday it would extend its disaster response program islandwide. The program asks hosts to offer their listings free of charge to displaced residents and visiting relief workers through the end of May.

The online vacation rental company previously focused its outreach efforts to hosts living in Puna and Hilo, where most victims and relief workers would presumably want to stay, explained Shane Peters, president of Peters Communications which handles public relations for Airbnb throughout Hawaii.

He couldn’t provide participation numbers as of press time Tuesday, but Peters said the level of inquiry in the program spiked enough during the previous days to indicate an islandwide initiative was warranted.

Those interested in participating can do so by visiting www.airbnb.com/welcome/evacuees/bigisland.