Hawai'i donations for victims of a cyclone in Myanmar will go directly to those needing it without passing through government hands, officials of the Myanmar Association of Hawai'i said yesterday.

The group has arranged that donations of money, and medical and building supplies will be distributed through a network of nongovernmental organizations and contacts, the group said yesterday. The contacts include in-country contacts and people with entry visas, including Buddhist nuns and monks.

"With these linkages in place, the association believes that it can effectively and efficiently deliver relief to those in need," said Tin Myaing Thein, association president.

Up to 2 million people are awaiting food, clean water, shelter and medicine in the wake of the storm, which hit the country six days ago, but relief efforts have been hampered by the government's reluctance to work with outside aid groups. Officials believe the death toll from the cyclone and its aftermath may reach 100,000.

Donations may be sent to the Myanmar Association of Hawai'i, 720 N. King St., Honolulu, HI 96817.