Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of Japan’s earthquake, tsunami and nuclear reactor disaster. Our concerns deepen each day as we learn more about the breadth of the triple disaster and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. This crisis is close to home for us because many members of our university ‘ohana have family, friends and colleagues in Japan, and many of us know the UH Hilo students currently studying in Japan. We also have students from Japan studying here with us in Hilo this semester.
Given the close and historic connection between Hawaii and Japan, many people and organizations in our state are already working together collaboratively to support the Japanese people in their time of need. On behalf of the university community, I encourage you to please support Japan disaster recovery efforts.
Here are some ways you can help:
Event
To convey our aloha and in keeping with Japanese tradition, you can help fold and personalize origami cranes at the UH Hilo Center for Global Exchange, PB9 Rm6, March 18, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All donations made at the event will go to the Japan Red Cross.
Donations
Aloha for Japan, a local organization convened by Hawaii business leaders, members of the Japanese American community, Lt. Governor Brian Schatz and Japan Consul General Yoshihiko Kamo to coordinate statewide efforts to collect donations for victims. Aloha for Japan T-shirts can be purchased from several retail outlets. Contact for t-shirts: grphomehi@gmail.com. Donation checks can be mailed to: Aloha for Japan, 2454 South Beretania Street, Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96826.
Donald Straney
Chancellor