KAILUA-KONA — West Hawaii residents jumped into action when their Puna neighbors were forced from their homes in the wake of recent lava eruptions. There was no question or hesitation.
Several businesses in Kailua-Kona have acted as donation sites where people can drop off items needed in the area. Truckloads have been delivered to Puna residents affected by the volcano since it first erupted in Leilani Estates on May 3. Those sites continue to accept donations, as needs change on a constant basis.
One of the businesses involved as a donation collection site is Lex Brodie’s Fast Lube. Joe Foglia, manager at the Kailua-Kona location, 75-5570 Kuakini Highway, said the business got involved because it was the right thing to do.
So far, it has collected and delivered three pallets of goods.
“We’ll continue to do it until it’s no longer required and people can go home,” Foglia said.
Friends are also coming together to help make a difference. Grace Emanuel, Cherie LiGriffore and a few others got together to help collect donations for Puna residents.
“There’s a core of us that you know will be at the forefront ready to go,” Emanuel said of her friends. “It’s fulfilling. If you don’t do it, who will?”
LiGriffore, employed at Kona Coffee and Tea, said it’s a grassroots effort.
Emanuel and her friends held a donation drive at Old Kona Airport Beach Park a couple weeks ago. Kona Trans assisted in providing a vehicle and driver to take what was collected to Puna.
Emanuel said they plan to continue to do more things like that.
“We don’t plan on stopping any time soon,” she said. “You know, just trying to do something good.”
Donations are being accepted at Kona Coffee and Tea, 74-5588 Palani Road, and One Aloha Shave Ice, 75-5711 Kuakini Highway.
An online fundraiser was also created.
This past weekend, Amanda Trusty, artistic director for Kona Dance and Performing Arts, and Brittany Horn, co-owner of Pacific Coffee Research, used $1,600 from their online fundraiser to deliver supplies to the Pahoa Shelter and the grassroots group Puuhonua o Puna. The pair plans to take over more donations as well as drop off a continental breakfast to feed 350 shelter victims this coming weekend.
Trusty said those assisting the community will continue to notify them of what is needed each day — as needs shift constantly. To donate to the online fundraiser, click here: https://www.youcaring.com/pahoaemergencyshelters-1182589
As they prepare for their Saturday trip, Trusty said, specific items have been requested:
-Tents in good condition
-Thick tarps
-Brand new towels and sheets
-Large black garbage bags (rain protection for people’s belongings)
-Flashlights and batteries
-Additional camping gear i.e. sleeping pads, brand-new blankets, etc.
Items can be dropped off at the following locations:
In North Kona
Pink Mocha Café: 73-4976 St. Suite 101
In Kona town
-Malama Chiropractic: 74-5620 Palani Road No. 2
-Kona Coffee Lounge: 75-170 Hualalai Road
Kona Business Center: 74-5576 Pawai Place
-Zaia Boutique: 74-5617 Pawai Place
In Holualoa
-Donkey Mill Art Center: 78-6670 Mamalahoa Highway
In Keauhou
-Therapydia Kona Physical Therapy: 78-6831 Alii Drive
At Seaview Circle
-Moonshot Play Space: 77-6425 Kuakini Highway B-101
In South Kona
-Kona Pacific Public Charter School: 79-7595 Highway, Kealakekua
-Iwa Arts and Café: 79-7491 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua
-Pacific Coffee Research: 83-5308A Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
Trusty said donations will be collected until noon today. However, items can still be dropped off all day at the dance studio, located at 81-973 Halekii St. in Kealakekua.
Currently, Trusty said the easiest way to help is to donate to their online fundraiser, as they now have direct contact with several officials at the shelters who are in charge of meals, activities, entertainment, etc.
Info: Contact Amanda Trusty at trusty@konadanceandperformingarts.org.