HONOLULU (AP) — Organizations say they have raised more than $80,000 in donations for tropical storm relief efforts on the Big Island. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — Organizations say they have raised more than $80,000 in donations for tropical storm relief
HONOLULU (AP) — Organizations say they have raised more than $80,000 in donations for tropical storm relief efforts on the Big Island.
At least 225 homes have been damaged or destroyed, mostly in the Puna district south of Hilo on the island’s east side.
Janice Bueltmann of Hawaii Island United Way said needs are changing day by day, and rebuilding will take time and money. Bueltmann is coordinating the organization’s relief efforts in Puna.
“We’re just trying to reach everyone as quickly as possible,” Bueltmann said.
Hawaii Island United Way and sister organization Aloha United Way have collected more than $31,000 in online donations.
Bueltmann said another $50,000 was donated by the First Hawaiian Bank Foundation and Bank of Hawaii, while even more money has been pledged.
The area this month was rocked by Tropical Storm Iselle, which started as a hurricane in the Pacific Ocean and carried strong winds and rain to the Big Island.
The storm knocked over trees, snapped power poles, blocked roads and left people without electricity. It did not cause any deaths or major injuries.
A food distribution charity said it has donated more than 5,000 pounds of food to more than 3,000 families. Other groups and companies are offering free legal advice, phone calls and Internet access.
