The Hawai'i Red Cross has received $550,000 in donations for Hurricane Katrina relief, as of yesterday.

That amount is an increase of $139,000 since Wednesday afternoon.

"We're estimating that's just a portion of donations from Hawai'i residents," said Red Cross spokeswoman Cassandra Isidro.

The sum does not include donations from Hawai'i residents who chose to donate to the national Red Cross.

To donate money through the Hawai'i chapter, call 734-2101 or go to www.hawaiiredcross.org.

BUSINESSES PLEDGE TO GIVE $25,000

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc., American Savings Bank and Hawaiian Electric Company have pledged $25,000 for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The donation will go to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

The companies will donate $10,000 initially, then match donations from the public up to $15,000.

Donations can be made at any American's Savings Bank branch across the state.

Checks should be made payable to either the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief Fund or The Salvation Army Katrina Disaster Fund.