The donation is part of AIG Hawai'i's new Ho'opio campaign, a statewide effort that also includes several initiatives aimed at helping its employees, the economy and the community,

The $100,000 donation will be used by Helping Hands to coordinate the AIG Ho'opio Fund, which will offer emergency assistance and resources through the Community Clearinghouse to individuals and families in need.

Ho'opio means "to overcome."

"The AIG Ho'opio Fund is designed to meet the needs of a growing 'gap' group in Hawai'i: those who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced as a result of Sept. 11," said Robin K. Campaniano, president and chief executive officer of AIG Hawai'i. "They do not qualify for welfare or other social service programs, but need the assistance to make ends meet during these difficult times."

Louise Funai, president of Helping Hands Hawai'i, said the AIG fund will enable the group to reach hundreds of people who otherwise would have nowhere to turn for assistance.

Individuals or groups interested in applying for money under the AIG Hawai'i Ho'opio program can contact Helping Hands at 536-7234.

Nominees sought for volunteer award

Nominations are being accepted for the 2002 Governor's Kilohana Awards for outstanding volunteerism.

The annual awards recognize the state's outstanding volunteers in the following categories: youth, adult, senior, project and business.

Through the Kilohana Awards, the state celebrates the people and businesses that strengthen the Islands and help to build a safer, more prosperous Hawai'i, according to first lady Vicky Cayetano, this year's honorary chairwoman.

"Our commitment to showing aloha strengthens our community and binds the members of our extended global ohana," she said.

Nomination deadline is Feb. 4, 2002. Recognition programs will be held throughout the islands, culminating in a statewide ceremony at Washington Place in April.

For more information, contact Stephanie Higa, statewide Kilohana coordinator at 586-7200, or visit the Kilohana Web site at volunteeraloha.com.

State releases revised tax guide

The state Tax Department recently released a revised Booklet A, Employer's Tax Guide.

The guide reflects new wage withholding rates that will take effect Jan. 1.

The revised Booklet A was mailed to all registered employers this month. Employees may need to complete a new Form HW-4 to adjust their withholding exemptions.

The new rates are a result of Act 157, Session Laws of Hawai'i, 1998, which provided a $759 million income tax cut to be spread over four years, starting in 1999 and ending in 2002.

The lower rates for 2002 will further reduce the amount of state income tax required to be withheld on wages paid to employees, further increasing their take-home pay.