Foundation raises over $600K so far

LIHUE — The Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund, created in partnership between the Hawaii Community Foundation, Pierre and Pam Omidyar and numerous other donors, has raised more than $600,000 to date.

HCF has identified two more nonprofits to receive the second round of grants to support immediate relief efforts to communities that have been impacted by the flooding.

In the first 24 hours following the fund’s creation, the first round of grants were distributed to assist with food, water and emergency provisions.

Aloha Preschool will be able to repair damage to the school and offer reduced tuition for families who have been impacted by the flooding.

Aina Hookupu o Kilauea will be able to continue helping families in Kalihiwai clear roads and property, put up fencing, and hire a few hourly wage workers.

“Meeting with our team on the ground has allowed us to effectively identify immediate needs and prioritize where aid and support would be most beneficial,” said Micah Kane, president and CEO of HCF.

“It is going to take a lot of work to get Kauai’s community back to normal. But it’s incredibly inspiring to see the resiliency of Kauai’s people.”

In the first 24 hours, the first round of grants were distributed to Malama Kauai, Kauai Independent Food Bank and the Kauai North Shore Food Pantry.

HCF, Pierre and Pam Omidyar and two anonymous donors established the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund to assist with recovery efforts from the damage caused by the recent flooding.

The Omidyars, through the Omidyar Ohana Fund, and HCF each contributed $100,000, along with contributions from two anonymous donors and the Agne Family Fund at HCF, for a grand total of $260,000.

Donations to the Kauai Relief and Recovery Fund can be made at HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org/KauaiRelief or by mail at Hawaii Community Foundation, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813.