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Helping Hand - Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter

Helping_Hand_-_August_22_2014_full_interview_with_Red_Cross.mp3
Helping Hand - August 22, 2014 full interview with Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter

Helping Hand is a weekly feature on HPR1 stations statewide and online here. Each Friday afternoon, All Things Considered local host Dave Lawrence speaks with a different organization helping the disabled and others facing special needs in the community. This week we’re learning about the situation in East Hawai‘i County, where the results of Tropical Storm Iselle have left many facing new challenges. We’re touching base with the Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter and CEO of Pacific Islands Region Coralie Matayoshi.

While the numbers on those without power and in some cases water have drastically lowered, at one point it numbered in the thousands of customers, with many folks impacted by the storm’s aftermath. To learn more about efforts to help people in need in the affected area, and what kinds of problems need to be addressed, this week we hear about the response from the Red Cross, as well as highlighting troubling incidents of essentially pre-storm looting and stealing. Not only was an ambulance stolen, but the Red Cross had their only emergency vehicle on Hawai'i Island stolen the night before the storm, and a major ice making facility in the area, Ali'i Ice, had their property vandalized and stolen from, resulting in the lay-offs of thirteen employees and impacting the ability to provide a critical resource during a widespread power outage. This conversation also explores ways the community can work together to nurture the spirit of giving back among children, ways to volunteer to help those in need and how to get help if you're facing struggles following the storm.

Contac the Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter:

Website: redcross.org/hi/honolulu

Phone: 808-935-8305

Dave Lawrence is the local host of All Things Considered, Road Stories (formerly Off the Road) and Stargazer.
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