In the wake of the severe Kona Low storm system that brought torrential rain and flash flooding to communities across Hawaiʻi, recovery efforts are fully underway. As residents begin the arduous process of cleaning up and rebuilding their homes, state officials and local non-profits are calling on the public to channel their aloha into effective, immediate support.
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) is advising those who want to help to prioritize financial contributions over physical goods. While the urge to donate clothing, blankets, and household items is strong, officials warn that unrequested drop-offs at evacuation shelters and assembly areas can severely overwhelm disaster response teams on the ground. Cash donations, conversely, allow relief organizations to remain agile, purchasing exactly what is needed for rapidly changing community conditions.
For those looking to make a direct and immediate impact, several trusted organizations are currently spearheading the recovery efforts. The following services are actively accepting donations to aid flood victims:
Donate money
- The Salvation Army: Conducting disaster relief efforts on Oʻahu and across the state.
- LāHui Foundation: Mobilizing cleanup crews and coordinating distribution of donated items.
- Hawaiʻi Food Bank: Serving hungry families, including those affected by the Kona low storm.
- Aloha United Way: Operating a help call and text line to serve flooding victims.
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: Operates a Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund for disaster relief across the islands.
- Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United: Created a Hawaiʻi Flood Response Fund supporting farmers and rural areas hit by severe floods.
- 808 Cleanups: Coordinating volunteer cleanups in affected areas.
- ʻĀina Momona: Restoring loʻi at its Aloha ʻĀina Health and Learning Center in Kāneʻohe.
Donate items
- LāHui Foundation: Accepting recovery supplies, no household items, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kahuku Elementary School (56-170 Pualalea St.).
Volunteer to help victims
- American Red Cross: Seeking volunteers to assist in Hawaiʻi storm response.
- LāHui Foundation: Mobilizing cleanup crews.
- Hawaiʻi Food Bank: Providing food distribution to hungry families, including those affected by Kona low storm.
- 808 Cleanups: Coordinating volunteer cleanups in affected areas.