In early July, heavy rains in Japan’s Hiroshima Prefecture caused widespread flooding and landslides, which subsequently damaged homes and businesses and caused the deaths of 108 residents, with another six still missing and 127 being injured. Additionally, as of Sept. 4, the number of damaged houses and businesses was 13,750.
In response to this tragedy, a committee, “Hawaii for Hiroshima,” consisting of concerned organizations with roots and ties to Hiroshima Prefecture, was organized to raise funds statewide to help.
Total donations received amount to $43,521, with several donations pending.
“On behalf of our ‘Hawaii for Hiroshima’ committee, we are grateful for the overwhelming support for our fundraising program,” said Wayne Miyao, one of the fundraising organizers, chairman of the Hiroshima-Hawaii Sister State Committee and president of the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai. “Faced with the oncoming threats of two hurricanes, which had significant effects in Hilo and the Big Island, the amount raised is commendable. Interestingly, the amount raised is more than double the amount raised in August 2014 of $21,250 for the landslides in Hiroshima.
“We know that our collective donation will show the people of Hiroshima Prefecture that we care and are concerned for their welfare from their friends in the state of Hawaii.”
Another organizer, Wayne Ishihara, president and CEO of the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce thanked the various Hiroshima kenjin kais on Oahu and the Big Island and the chambers of commerce in Hilo and Kona-Kohala and other civic and community organizations, especially the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, for their support and contributions.
“We also received personal donations from concerned members of the Hawaii State Legislature,” Ishihara said.
“We continue to be saddened by the loss of lives and property damage in Hiroshima,” said Art Taniguchi, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Hilo. “We wish them well as they rebuild Hiroshima. On behalf of all government, business and community organizations with ties to Hiroshima, we will continue to develop programs and events to further strengthen our bonds between Hawaii and Hiroshima now and into the future.”
The Hawaii for Hiroshima Fundraising Committee is chaired by Miyao, with vice chairmen Taniguchi and Ishihara. Playing a major role in the statewide fundraising efforts were executive committee members Claudia Chang, president of the Kona Hiroshima Kenjin Kai; Jon Arizumi, president of the East Hawaii Hiroshima Kenjin Kai; and Seichi Nagai, president of the Wahiawa Waialua Hiroshima Kenjin Kai.