| Hurricane relief efforts in Hawai'i |
| O'ahu paramedics return tired, thankful |
Advertiser Staff
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As of late yesterday afternoon, the Hawai'i chapter of the American Red Cross had raised $311,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina, "and that's not counting the mail we've received today, which we're still processing," said Hawai'i Red Cross spokeswoman Cassandra Isidro. That amount represents an increase of more than $100,000 from the previous day, Isidro said. The figure shows the generosity of Islanders, who tend to give more per capita than residents of other states, she said. To donate money through the Hawai'i chapter, phone 734-2101 or see www .hawaiiredcross.org.
O'AHU COLLEGES LENDING A HAND
Island colleges and universities have enrolled eight students who were planning to attend college in areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
So far, Hawai'i Pacific University has enrolled four students who had planned to attend Tulane University in New Orleans. Scott Stensrud, vice president of admissions at HPU, said the students have some connection to Hawai'i or have friends at HPU. Financial aid, tuition waivers and housing assistance are being arranged on a case-by-case basis, Stensrud said.
One student from New Orleans who had already planned to attend HPU arrived on campus Friday without any personal belongings, Stensrud said.
University of Hawai'i-Manoa has enrolled and waived tuition for four students displaced from colleges or universities in Louisiana, said Jim Manke, UH-Manoa spokesman.
Hawai'i families with students on the Mainland displaced by the hurricane can make similar arrangements by calling one of the UH campuses. Phone numbers are at www .hawaii.edu.
HONOLULU POLICE TO STAY ON ISLAND
Honolulu Police Chief Boisse Correa has turned down a request by the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers to send officers to New Orleans to help law-enforcement officials there.
Correa yesterday told the union there are too many issues, such as liability, health and safety, and logistical problems that would need to be considered before he would send officers. But Capt. Frank Fujii, HPD spokesman, said the department hasn't closed the door on the idea.
Detective Alexander Garcia, chairman of SHOPO's O'ahu chapter, said he accepted the chief's decision and will move ahead with other efforts to assist officers in New Orleans.
SHOPO is collecting money for the National Association of Police Organization's relief fund. Garcia said the union also is planning an "adopt a cop" program in which officers with Hawai'i ties would be brought here free of charge.
Garcia said anyone interested in helping the program should call the union at 847-4676.
CIVIL DEFENSE WORKER WILL GO
Assisting in the American Red Cross effort on the Mainland will be veteran disaster relief worker Danny Tengan, who was granted leave from his job as exercise training officer for the state Civil Defense. Tengan, former disaster services coordinator for the Hawai'i chapter of the American Red Cross, will fly to Houston today to help evacuees from New Orleans.