So as of today, the people of the Puna district, who were hardest hit by Hurricane Iselle are still in need of food, water and ice. Many do not have generators, have been forced to throw away their refrigerated foods, and are just grateful for something warm to eat.
I’m worried that people will forget about them, in a kind of ‘out of sight out of mind’ way, especially since Puna isn’t ridiculously populated, full of tourist attractions, and it takes hours to get there from either major airport.
Power is back on to some of the residents, but there are still over 3,800 homes who are without electricity, and hundreds who still don’t have water.
This is aside from the looting and the vandalism that has been occurring due to lack of supplies.
The criminal who broke the Alii Ice owner’s trucks was finally arrested on Thursday, (the owner laid off all of his employees and shut his place down as a way to blackmail the people in the area who desperately need ice, and said he wasn’t going to continue making ice for the relief efforts until the criminal who vandalized his property was in jail.) So I guess he’s selling his ice again. Thankfully, Maui and O’ahu have been sending ice over, and the Norwegian Cruise lines has generously donated ice to those in need.
Hawaii Island United Way has partnered with the Hawaii Civil Defense to help, and donations are being accepted on their website to aid those who need it– volunteers are also welcome, and are encouraged to contact janice@hiunitedway.org. A great resource list can also be found on West Hawaii Today.
My family and I will continue to donate and find ways to contribute to the people in Puna. Our prayers are with them, especially with the children, the elderly, the handicapped, and those who are in need of medical attention.
My tribute to Puna, a traditional oli called Ke ha’a la Puna (Puna’s a dance):
Hawaiian Supermom 
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