The 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan affected all of us here, not just because Hawaii was hit with tsunami waves starting around 4 a.m. last Friday that did some damage around the state — it should be noted, without loss of life or injury, and businesses hit in Kona and Kahului are mopping up; in fact, most were open for business that day. (Much gratitude to state and county employees for their brisk, organized efforts.)
We're affected from a humanitarian standpoint, of course, but also because Hawaii and Japan have longstanding ties — cultural ties owing to a large Japanese and Japanese-American population here, and because Hawaii is a top visitor destination for Japan. The last few days, seeing the unrelenting devastation, have been nothing short of shocking. The video post from the "Hawaii Five-0" cast was a nice reminder of how to help. Here are a couple others:
Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation right away.
Several local promoters and artists have banded together to produce a benefit block party at Restaurant Row this Saturday, March 19, from 4-10 p.m. "Unshakably Yours & Hands Across the Ocean" will feature live music, celebrity guests, comedians, hula halau and food from area restaurants. 100%
of the $10 entry fee and 10% of all
food and drink proceeds will be donated to Japan disaster relief.
If you're in town, we hope to see you at the benefit to show our aloha to the Japanese people.
