Tsunami watch
Wave damage worth $30 million
Hawaii disaster response officials are estimating the state suffered damage exceeding $30 million during this month’s tsunami, a figure that could lead to the federal government providing money for repairs.
Hawaii State Civil Defense reported yesterday that damage to private property amounted to $22 million, and government property damage reached $8.5 million.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Neil Abercrombie said he will seek a federal disaster declaration from President Barack Obama.
The disaster declaration would trigger federal assistance for repairs to public structures damaged by tsunami waves, including piers, moorings, planks, electrical wiring and roads.
Aid for businesses damaged by the tsunami could come from the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides low-interest loans.
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Firms offer free calls to Japan
Oceanic Time Warner Cable is providing free telephone calls to Japan through April 15 to its Digital Phone customers. Free calls are retroactive to March 11.
In addition, through Thursday, Oceanic is providing NGN2 (Japanese-language news) on channel 678 to all residential digital cable TV subscribers, and NGN4 (English-language news from Japan) on channels 682 and 1682 (hi-def) to its Digital Variety Pack subscribers.
Other long-distance carriers that announced they are offering free calls to Japan include Hawaiian Telcom (through April 15), AT&T (Thursday), Verizon Wireless (April 10) and Mobi PCS (Thursday).
Calls are free on Hawaiian Telcom for customers who have its International Long-Distance service. People who have another long-distance provider may call 643-0929 to get Hawaiian Telcom long-distance service.
Maui bakers are asked to donate
A community group called Maui Bake Sale For Japan is asking Maui residents to donate baked goods to be sold April 2 at two locations. Proceeds will go to Peace Winds Japan, a nonprofit disaster response, nongovernmental organization.
The sales will take place at:
» Maui Ag Fest at the Maui Tropical Plantation, 1670 Honoapiilani Highway, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
» Maui Swap Meet, 310 West Kaahumanu Ave., from 7 a.m. to noon.
Items should be donated next Friday. Nonfood items, such as artwork and gift certificates, are also welcome.
People may donate individually wrapped treats, as well as whole cakes or pies.
Japanese specialties such as mochi are especially welcome. Gluten-free and vegan items should be clearly labeled as such. Include a complete list of ingredients. Deliver goods in containers you don’t need returned.
To volunteer, call 205-7273 or email Shannon@mauimagazine.net.
Write a check, get a T-shirt
Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering is collecting donations for Japan disaster relief at its store at 94-903 Farrington Highway in Waipahu. Customers who donate $50 or more will get a free "Ohana Relief" T-shirt. Those who donate $100 or more will receive a T-shirt and a $10 Tanioka’s gift certificate.
Make checks payable to Japan-America Society of Hawaii. Write "Japan Earthquake Relief Fund" in the memo section.
Violinists present benefit concert
Sixty students at Punahou Music School’s Suzuki Violin Program will give a benefit concert tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the University of Hawaii’s Orvis Auditorium.
The musicians, ages 4-18, will perform works from Bach and Vivaldi to "Star Wars."
Admission is free, and donations will be accepted at the door for Japan Quake/Tsunami Relief.
