The money will be distributed directly to relief organizations already working with victims, said Charles Morrison, center president. Recipients have been identified for about half of the funds, and the center will give careful thought to where the rest of the funds will be sent, he said.

Thousands of people statewide contributed, including school children and those who attended a special fund-raising cultural show at the center on Sunday.

"We are touched by the extraordinary generosity of the people of Hawai'i in responding to this disaster," Morrison said. "Never in our lifetimes has a natural disaster had such widespread impact over an entire region."

First Hawaiian Bank helped collect the donations at its branches.

"Hundreds of people came to our branches to donate for the relief fund," said Don Horner, bank president and chief executive. "It's yet another example of the generous heart of Hawai'i's 'ohana."

Amounts and relief organizations selected so far include:

• $30,000 to WALHI, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, for medical supplies, sanitation, food and water.
• $30,000 to Sarvodaya, a Sri Lankan relief organization that pledged to take in children younger than 11 orphaned by the disaster.
• $30,000 to Uplift International, which is helping Project HOPE supply 14 tons of medicine and medical supplies.
• $25,000 in funds that will be matched by East-West Center alumni chapters in affected countries.
• $5,000 to the East-West Center alumni chapter in Chennai, India, for fishing nets for villagers on Indian islands.

Meanwhile, First Hawaiian Bank also donated $25,000 to help victims and will donate up to $25,000 more by matching dollar for dollar the first $25,000 of contributions to either of two special accounts at the bank.