Samoan relief efforts take flight on Kaua‘i

LAWA‘I — Matilda Langi’s aunt had just enough time to scoop up her baby and a diaper bag before the waves hit.

Langi, a crafter at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa, said her aunt’s shop was flattened by the earthquake-generated tsunami that struck the Samoan islands on Sept. 29.

“She felt the earthquake for about seven minutes, and while trying to understand what happened, someone told her to move to higher ground,” Langi said. “She had just gotten her baby and a diaper bag when she saw the first of four waves.”

Langi said the first two waves were not as big as the last two that came ashore following the earthquake.

“She just kept running and running because the water was coming,” Langi said.

Fortunately, Langi’s aunt and baby were uninjured, but the island was devastated as hundreds perished in the natural disaster.

Rita Osamu and the Lihu‘e United Church started a relief fund to help the stricken Samoans, Langi said.

“Today is the deadline,” she said. “They started last Monday and people have been bringing in a lot. We’re glad someone started a fund to help the people.”

Langi said there was one generator that was brought in and the Marriott people contributed blankets and linen.

“There was one load of 1,200 pounds that left Friday,” said Renee Tootoo, Osamu’s daughter, who was helping collect items at the church. “Rita will be here from 8 a.m. to noon to finalize all the collections.”

Tootoo said Osamu has been going out to collect items from people who have called with contributions in addition to processing the items that have been brought to the church.

“They need food,” Langi said. “There are plenty people in Samoa and not that much food.”

The Lihu‘e United Church is just one agency that is coordinating a Samoa relief program.

Lorna Santos and Kelly Rockstrom of the Lawa‘i Cannery Self Storage and Warehouse opened one of the facility’s storage units to hold collections from donors through the morning of Oct. 23 for Oceanit.

“Oceanit is one of our clients, and when Mary Lu Kelley sent us an e-mail, we thought we could help by being a collection point,” Santos said.

Tatianna Mulitauaopele is an employee with Oceanit and her employer has launched a statewide effort to help.

“My friends and I have been devastated and heartbroken at the unfortunate event that occurred back at home,” Mulitauaopele said in an e-mail. “It is your generous act that is not only a comfort for us, but also a source of strength during these difficult times. We want to thank you for this opportunity to support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the Samoan Islands.”

Santos said Oceanit wants to ensure that every contributor is acknowledged and has the forms necessary to accompany all contributions. She also has a list of items in need, including food, kitchen supplies, clothing, medical supplies, bedding, toiletries and general supplies, including school supplies and toys.

Rockstrom said she is scheduled to visit one of her relatives in Anahola who has a bunch of children’s clothes to contribute because the children have outgrown them.

In addition to the Lawa‘i Cannery site, contributors can also drop off items at the Oceanit office in Waimea at the West Kaua‘i Tech Center, said Kelley, in an e-mail.

“The Oceanit Kaua‘i staff is also collecting goods such as non-perishable food and drinks, clothing, household items, kitchen goods, toys and more,” Kelley said in an e-mail. “If you can write a check to Mission of Hope Ministries, ‘Samoa Relief Fund,’ or to the American Red Cross Association, I am sure your donation, no matter how small or large, will be greatly appreciated.”

The Kaua‘i collections will be gathered on Oct. 23 and sent to O‘ahu where they will be combined with collections for O‘ahu and Maui to be shipped to Samoa.

“There have already been a lot of inquiries from people who want to help but don’t know where to deposit items,” Santos said.

For more information, call Kelley or Annette Perreira at 338-9000.