Editorial
Pacific Island nations must stick together

Pity poor Tonga, whose northern islands were ravaged this past New Year's by Cyclone Waka's 150-mph winds. The rampage has destroyed crops, homes and left a mother of four dead and countless others destitute and homeless.

Tonga desperately needs our help, and we need to respond. In times of trouble, it behooves us to support our Pacific Island neighbors who don't enjoy the benefits of U.S. federal aid.

In spite of being part of the United States, Hawai'i has much in common with its Polynesian neighbors. Our archipelago is isolated and hugely dependent on a tourist industry. That means when an economic or natural disaster strikes, we can't survive without outside help.

Conversely, we must help our less fortunate Pacific Island neighbors. New Zealand is preparing to send aid to Tonga. Let's follow suit as a compassionate citizenry.

Anyone wishing to help in the relief effort can send a check made out to: Tonga Consular Agency, 220 South King St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Officials ask that "disaster relief" be written on the checks, which will be forwarded to Tonga.