EDITORIAL
Aloha spirit shows up in Islander generosity

Perhaps the price of paradise makes Hawai'i's residents more understanding of the need to share. Perhaps we give more because we have more of our extended families under the same roof. Perhaps it is just another manifestation of aloha.

While we're not surprised that our state tends to be more generous in its charitable donations than those on the Mainland, the depth of that generosity found in data released by the Hawaii Community Foundation this week is impressive.

The fear that 9/11 sensitivities would sap money from local organizations did not materialize. We were more generous to organizations like the American Red Cross and the Fireman's Fund, but we didn't forget local charities. The average contribution for Hawai'i households rose to $1,123 in 2002 from $1,016 in 1998, despite a sputtering economy.

As laudable as is that sense of volunteerism and philanthropy, we worry that it may be taken for granted in some chambers in the state Capitol. It is hard not to think that at least part of this outpouring of private generosity is motivated by the need to counteract state and federal shortcomings.

Repeatedly over the last few years, social services have suffered persistent attack from politicians trying to balance shrinking budgets and political dogma. Even with increased donations from private citizens, that tinkering by lawmakers has damaged the agencies that try to stitch together the societal safety net.

Homeless shelters, food banks, soup kitchens and educational outreach programs must operate on an ever-thinning highwire. It is critical for all of us to do what we can to help these necessary programs survive.

We can be proud of our willingness to give, but we can't afford to relax. In Hawai'i, it's essential that we all give until it feels good.

But there's more. Charity also implies kindness, benevolence and good will — that is, quite apart from and in addition to gifts of money. Isn't that what the aloha spirit is all about?