Volcanic Respirator Relief -Hawaii

Donations are being requested to purchase respirators that will be donated to Pu'uhonua O Puna for distribution. This fundraising effort is a collaborative as started by myself Diane Kehaulani Caruso, Amber Kapiolani Velander and Crystal Kealoha Goldschmitz, from Minnesota, as we have family directly affected by this cause, and know there is a greater need to help and this is our way of support from the mainland.

As you may have seen in the news recently, there has been an ongoing volcanic eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii. Over the past few weeks, people located in the Puna district of the Big Island have been severely affected by this activity.

 On May 3, 2018, several lava vents (fissures) opened in the lower Puna area, down-rift from the summit. This was accompanied by HUNDREDS of small earthquakes and one strong 6.9 MW earthquake. As of May 16, 2018, more than 2,000 residents, their farm animals & pets were evacuated and/or displaced, and roughly 30 homes completely destroyed. Breathing conditions have deteriorated significantly due to falling ash and high levels of sulfur dioxide, a toxic gas that is released during volcanic activity and is coming out of the 21 fissures, or cracks, in the ground. This has made breathing especially difficult for kids, asthmatics, our elders, and those with other respiratory ailments.

We are working with our Ohana (family), teachers, and other points of contact on the Big Island to make sure the keiki (children) and people who need respirators, are receiving them. The most effective respirator masks for this type of situation is a special 3M brand model + a special cartridge that protects against certain gasses, sulfur, ash and other chemicals. These respirators run about $40-$50 each and are sold out island wide and online. We have been working with local distributors in Minnesota to get the masks and cartridges needed to send to the big island.  If you are willing and able to make a donation of any amount, please do so on this GFM page. ANY AMOUNT HELPS and 100% of proceeds will go to respirator and cartridge purchase. The respirators will be delivered directly to contacts on the Big Island, including Pu'uhonua o Puna. We will be posting updates and pictures of the people you all are helping. Please know that your donation really is impacting a life.

Mahalo nui loa for your kōkua,