Mahalo, HTH
I am a volunteer for the American Red Cross, which has two shelters — in Keaau and Pahoa. We have incredible donations and people who donate time and effort to help those who have been evacuated from the lava zone.
There is a minister of a church who shuttles people from Keaau (no bathing facilities) to get a hot bath, people who make care kits and just ordinary citizens who drop off things that one would need in daily life.
I also would like to include the Tribune-Herald for helping out by donating newspapers for the shelters. It’s a huge lift for the residents who love to wake in the morning and read the paper with their coffee — a semblance of their former lives.
They are in the news now, so the paper is also a tangible way to see the events and also to cut out stories to send to relatives. They have been cut off from paper routes, as well. In addition to this, used newspaper is so useful for art, sopping up messes/water, and also for the animals at the pet-friendly shelters of Keaau and Pahoa.
Thank you so much for seeing us through this disaster. You have many loyal customers who appreciate your efforts.
Remember, digital does not replace print. We love the stories, pictures, photos. Thank you always for what you do.
Lynn M. Fukuda
Pahala
Open for business
I was very upset when I read that cruise ships are canceling their Hilo stops.
Now, more than ever, we need the thousands of weekly visitors from the ships. It’s time for the Hawaii Tourism Authority to step in and correct all the misinformation being spread by the media.
The news reports make it sound like the entire east side of the island is affected and in imminent danger from the eruptions.
Many folks in my neighborhood have lost their homes, and now many businesses might not survive because people are being scared away from Pahoa town and, now, Hilo town.
Kauai knows; they had millions of dollars lost due to cancellations when mainly only Hanalei was impacted by flooding.
Let’s spread the word: The east side of the island is open for business!
Jennifer Tanner
Pahoa