Our Aloha For Japan

The past two weeks I’ve been overwhelmed by the show of compassion that the people and businesses of Hawaii have for our extended ohana in Japan.

I’ve decided to use this space to share some of them that came directly to me with a request to share with MidWeek readers.

This only represents a small percentage of everything being done, but even the smallest gesture is of great significance at this time of great need.

All Foodland and Sack N Save stores statewide have begun to accept donations at their checkouts to support the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Japan. Customers are invited to make a $5, $10 or $20 donation at any Foodland or Sack N Save checkout through April 3.

Hilo Hattie stores statewide are accepting donations for the relief effort in conjunction with the American Red Cross. From now until March 31 you can make monetary donations at all eight stores on Oahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island including the new Island Edge by Hilo Hattie at Ala Moana Center.

Reiko Rogers, who runs Studio Rim Hawaii, a radio station based at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, which broadcasts in Japan, is making a special plea to everyone in Hawaii. Instead of money, she is asking for “messages of aloha” to send to Japan.

Send to Reiko via reiko@stdiorimhawaii.com. They will read as many as possible on the air.

Hawaii artist Kenneth Maiki Aiolupotea’s song Until Then, dedicated to the Japan tsunami-quake victims and survivors has gone viral.

View it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBE4yUMrnfs