Posted on: Sunday, December 16, 2001

Group seeking to help needy Hawaiian children

Advertiser Staff

The group Ka Makana O Lili'uokalani wants to give money to needy Hawaiian children who have lost one or both parents, but can't seem to get enough requests.

"We do have monies that can help orphan children, but they don't seem to come forward," said Lei Lindo, chairwoman of the Ka Makana O Lili'uokalani council.

Since 1998 the group has given as much as $500 to children who have any amount of Hawaiian blood. They must provide a death certificate of their parent or parents and their own birth certificate indicating their Hawaiian heritage.

Ka Makana O Lili'uokalani receives its money from the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, Honolulu Unit. The council has awarded $100 to $500 to about 15 Hawaiian children for such things as a prom dress, shoes and make-up ($500); a senior class ring ($350); and a bed ($500).

"What we give is a gift from our queen to her children," Lindo said. "We are merely the intermediate people who handle the money. But most people don't know about us. A lot of children's guardians don't seem to come forward and we're there to help."

People interested in applying for help can contact Kaumakapili Church in Kalihi and ask for Nancy Hitchcock.