Mayor Mufi Hannemann has directed his brother Gus Hannemann to set up a committee to organize a fundraising and relief efforts for Sämoa, an independent country that does got receive the federal assistance that American Sämoa is receiving following the Sept. 29 earthquake and tsunami.

"Many people in the Sämoan community here in Hawaii have family, friends and loved ones in both Sämoa and in American Sämoa," the mayor said in a news release. "In fact, my roots stem from both places. My father was from Sämoa, and my mother was from American Sämoa. Both islands suffered substantial damage during the tsunami, with Independent Sämoa bearing the brunt of the flooding and the loss."

A special account has been opened at First Hawaiian Bank for donations. The committee will be working with Sämoan churches and Matson Navigation to send clothing, bedding and other relief supplies.

The committee will concentrate on monetary donations. People who want to donate should make checks payable to "Sämoa Tsunami Relief Fund" and make their contributions at any branch of First Hawaiian Bank.