"I didn't even think about it," said Tang, referring to a solicitation letter asking that she participate in the upcoming "Dine for America" fund-raiser. "Once I saw 'Katrina,' I replied with a 'yes.'"

So, too, have 42 — at press time — other statewide restaurants, which will join the more than 15,000 national and Canadian establishments participating in "Dine For America" this Wednesday.

The one-day fund-raiser is a nationwide effort to raise money for the American Red Cross, which will use the funds to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"I'm always willing to help out if it's a good cause," said Tang, who owns and operates Shanghai Bistro and Hong Kong Harbour View, both of which will participate in the fund-raiser "And this is as good as a cause — if not more important — than any other."

In agreement is L'Uraku's general manager Duane Kawamoto, who said he wanted to take part in the event because he felt it was a good neighborly act.

"And we won't be a stickler, either, if they decide not to eat here," Kawamoto said. "They can simply drop by, make a $10 donation and in return receive a $10 L'Uraku gift certificate. So, their donation is pretty much for free."

Diners can also show support by visiting any one of the following restaurants: Alan Wong's, The Pineapple Room Buca di Beppo, Grand Cafe & Bakery, Red Lobster, Kincaid's, Palomino, Roy's, Ryan's, The Korner Pocket on the Big Island, L'Uraku, Sizzler, Tony Roma's, Cafe Laufer, Compadres Bar & Grill in Ward Centre and Lahaina Cannery Mall, Dixie Grill, Auntie Pasto's, Tiki's Grill & Bar, Big City Diner, Ocean Club, Gyotaku, Hula Grill in Waikiki and Lahaina, Keoki's Paradise in Kailua, Kimo's in Lahaina and Leilani's On The Beach in Kaanapali.

"This shows great community and aloha spirit among our local restaurants," said Bill Tobin, Hawaii Restaurant Association chairman and co-owner of Tiki's Grill & Bar, which will donate 20 percent of its total sales on Wednesday. "All these restaurants have shared a great degree of success. And with success comes greater social responsibility in helping others out during their time of need. And that time is now."

"Dine for America" was established as a response to another historic tragedy.