HECO AND MECO

HONOLULU, HI – February 6, 2007. The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), and Maui Electric Company (MECO) to support disaster preparedness and response efforts on Oahu and in Maui County communities.

The electric utility companies—HECO and MECO—have been generous supporters of the

American Red Cross here in Hawaii. Mike May, President and Chief Executive Officer of

Hawaiian Electric Company, stated on behalf of the utility companies that this donation

"is part of our commitment to supporting safety education and the health and welfare needs of our local community in times of emergencies."

"We greatly appreciate the continued generosity of HECO and MECO," said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"Thanks to support like this, the Red Cross can continue to serve communities throughout the

Hawaiian Islands before, during and after disasters."

In the last year, the Hawaii Red Cross responded to 108 disasters (about twice a week),

providing food, clothing, shelter and caring support to those individuals and families affected by the tragic events. The American Red Cross of Hawaii is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster, provides emergency communications to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free and is made possible by donations.

All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims and disaster training is free and is made possible by donations. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. To help the Red Cross assist victims of local disasters, send a contribution to: American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816, make a secure online donation at www.hawaiiredcross.org, or call: (808) 739-8133.