Two months after the March 11 catastrophic earthquakes and tsunami that shocked Japan, the momentum of Hawaii’s fundraising efforts continue, with donations reaching $6 million via the statewide ALOHA FOR JAPAN campaign and other major relief efforts. The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH), the two certified 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with the ALOHA FOR JAPAN initiative, each reported collections of approximately $3 million. More donation collection drives, concerts, and other events are scheduled throughout the coming months.

“This relief effort has exceeded everyone’s most optimistic projections,” said Lt. Governor Brian Schatz, whose office leads the ALOHA FOR JAPAN campaign. “I’m so proud of how everyone worked together. Hawaii has really stepped up for our friends across the Pacific.”

Tens of thousands remain homeless and, in some cases, food and medical supplies are in short supply. Monetary donations remain a critical need.

Lei Day For Japan, the May Day collaboration by local celebrity chefs and sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines, was one of the major recent benefits organized to help Japan. The tasting event, featuring dishes from Morimoto Waikiki, Chai’s Island Bistro, and Alan Wong’s, among others, was a highly touted food events in the local community and netted more than $200,000 to support relief efforts. Additionally, on May 10, Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. companies, customers, and employees donated $365,000 to the ALOHA FOR JAPAN initiative.
Various benefit concerts, events, and other activities throughout the state, such as the Heart & Soul Live Aloha Japan concert and the Summer Salsa in Paradise dance workshops, continue to sustain vitality for the initiative. The ALOHAFORJAPAN.com website is updated daily and continues to be the comprehensive source for information related to the campaign, with an extensive calendar of upcoming events, the latest news, as well as information on how to make online donations.

The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH), both tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, have been accepting donations for the ALOHA FOR JAPAN campaign. Donation checks, made payable “ALOHA FOR JAPAN”, can also be mailed to one of the following addresses:

American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter
4155 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816

or

Japan-America Society of Hawaii
c/o Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce
2454 South Beretania Street, Suite 201
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce volunteer hotline and email address for inquiries related to the campaign is: (808) 949-5531 or info@alohaforjapan.com