LIHUE — Together with the Hawaii Community Foundation, Pierre and Pam Omidyar and two anonymous donors have established the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund to assist with recovery efforts from the devastating damage caused by the recent flooding.
The Omidyars, through the Omidyar ‘Ohana Fund, and HCF have each contributed $100,000, along with contributions from two anonymous donors and the Agne Family Fund at HCF.
“To see all of the damage and destruction caused by the floods is heartbreaking and we knew something needed to be done to help address the immediate needs of Kauai residents,” said Pierre Omidyar. “We are pleased to be partnering with HCF who was able to expeditiously establish and execute a fund that will provide emergency assistance to where it’s most needed.”
The fund will provide grants to local organizations who are bringing immediate relief to communities across Kaua‘i that have been impacted by the flooding, including assistance to residents who have been displaced from their homes or are cut-off from receiving basic necessities including medical supplies, food and water.
In the next 24 hours, the first round of grants will be distributed to Malama Kauai, Kauai Independent Food Bank, and the Kauai North Shore Food Pantry to provide additional staffing, food and water provisions, and emergency supplies.
“The health and safety of our neighbors on Kauai is a concern to all of us,” said Micah Kane, president and CEO of HCF. “We’re appreciative of the Omidyars, so that we can deploy resources and work with our HCF team on Kauai along with Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s office to support the immediate needs of Kaua‘i residents.”
In addition to providing for the emergency health, shelter and safety needs, the fund will also be used to support key facilities like schools and healthcare centers.
Donations to the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund can be made online at HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org/KauaiRelief or by mail at Hawaii Community Foundation, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
In addition to the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund, local businesses have also started raising funds, including the Hawaii Life Real Estate, who raised more than $10,000 from their Realtors and is providing matching funds of up to $25,000.
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The Garden Island
Really? A billionaire can only kick down $100,00? And money should go to Hawaii Food Bank. They have a much better track record n