LIHUE – Kauai faith leaders, along with Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., met Wednesday afternoon at Aloha Church to unload a gift for flood victims.
A shipping container filled with household items valued at $42,000 was donated by the Iron Workers Union Local 625 and the Hawaii Workers Stabilization Fund.
“As you can see, there’s Clorox and there’s heavy duty scrubbing pads and of course there’s water and napkins and all kinds of household goods that are so much needed, especially now,” Carvalho said.
Since the flooding last month, Aloha Church Pastor Silvin Galiza said many in his congregation have been assisting those impacted by the disaster. They’ve helped victims clear stuff from their house, installed tarps over roofs, cleared mold and hauled away trash. They’ve also donated thousands of dollars worth of items.
The flooding destroyed homes, roads and vehicles and left
hundreds homeless. Many face a long road back.
“It’s just people helping people and that’s the most important thing,” he said.
The church has also been housing teams from the mainland who have come to help rebuild.
One thing Galiza said he’s learned during this experience is that Kauai people are resilient. This experience reminded him of when Hurricane Iniki devastated the island in 1992. Then, everyone just went out and helped each other.
“Don’t give up hope. There’s people here to help you, and we are one community on Kauai helping each other. Keep on keeping on,” he said.
One Way Ministries Pastor Nathan Hanohano said there is always hope.
“Sometimes, when you think there’s a period, it’s a comma. So, the story’s not over,” he said. “There’s hope for the future, and I believe that’s the message we try to share with everyone. There’s hope.”
One thing Hanohano said he’s noticed since the flood is how generous people are in times of need.
“It’s a wonderful thing to see the generosity come out when somebody’s suffering,” he said.
Carvalho Jr. said his administration is continuing to work with government agencies to secure funding for recovery efforts.
“We have the resources, and we’ll just keep the momentum going to ensure that our families continue to be safe and have the resources that they need for their daily needs,” he said.
