Posted on: Friday, December 13, 2002

Guam typhoon: A time to help fellow Islanders

Hawai'i residents with still-vivid memories of Hurricanes Iwa (1982) and 'Iniki (1992) can sympathize with Guamanians who are reeling from the effects of a "super-typhoon," Pongsona.

From the somewhat sketchy reports we've seen so far, however, our hurricanes were minor league compared to Pongsona, which stalled over the island as gusts reached 180 mph.

More than 1,700 homes were destroyed and another 2,000 damaged, while water, electricity, fuel and other necessities are running short. Emergency vehicles are running out of gas; hospitals are waiting for generators to restore essential services.

You can help. Send checks or money orders made out to the American Red Cross to the Hawai'i state chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816. Checks should be designated to go to the National Disaster Relief Fund.

It's what islanders should do for fellow islanders.