December 5, 2010 – Hawaii Island

Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Stephanie Salazar

The true spirit of the holidays was felt throughout Hawaii Island on Saturday, as the community gathered to donate to the Lokahi Giving Project, and celebrate the season.

The statewide effort, sponsored in part by KHON channel 2, focuses on the immediate community’s needs, accepting tangible donations, like food (the #1 request) and basic household necessities and gifts. 

In Hilo, anchor Kirk Matthews camped out at the Prince Kuhio Plaza, where a crowd was entertained by the holiday music, including a performance by the Honokaa High School Jazz Band.

Up north, Waimea’s Lokahi Celebration was emceed by weather anchor Trini Kaopuiki and Penny Keli’i Vredenburg at the Waimea Center.

Waimea’s Lokahi Celebration is part of a statewide project launched in 1985 by Leslie Wilcox (now with Hawai’i Public Television but then with KHON) and Mariellen Jones. Kaopuiki now co-chairs the project. 

Lokahi was conceived to help those not eligible for other assistance.  All items collected on Hawaii Island stay on island and dozens of local charities, social service organizations, churches, schools, shelters, group homes and hospitals help recommend recipients to be sure not one is left out and not one takes advantage.

Fighting the public health threat of fake drugs