The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH) Hawaii Island Visitor Assistance Program is a nonprofit organization offered 24/7 and at no cost to visitors affected by adversity.
The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH) Hawaii Island Visitor Assistance Program is a nonprofit organization offered 24/7 and at no cost to visitors affected by adversity.
For many years, the program has provided kokua where kokua is needed for folks far away from home on a vacation in paradise.
Executive Director Hilde Shetler explained services are made possible through a contract with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and via grants and individual donations. One example of that assistance is taxi transportation coupons donated by HMSA to assist visitors in need.
Jeanine Acia, VASH Hawaii Island East Hawaii Program director, was recognized in the Safety and Security section of the Hawaii Tourism Authority 2013 Annual Report. Acia has been aiding visitors for the past five years through kokua from the HTA. VASH Hawaii Island helps visitors cope with, and recover from, a variety of unfortunate situations.
For more information, contact Visitor Services Kona at 756-0785; Visitor Services Hilo at 756-1472, P.O. Box 669, Kailua-Kona HI 96745; visit www.vashbigisland.org; Or call VASH Hawaii Island at 756-0392.