Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Volunteers After Kona Low Storm

The American Red Cross is calling on Big Island residents to volunteer immediately as the powerful Kona low storm continues hammering the state, keeping shelters open on Hawai'i Island, Maui, Lāna'i, and Moloka'i while communities endure flooding, road closures, and prolonged power outages.

Red Cross volunteers on the Big Island are currently providing safe shelter, food, water, disaster health services, and emotional support to displaced residents. The organization is recruiting for three roles specific to Hawai'i Island: Disaster Assessment, Disaster Emergency Supplies, and Shelter Support. Oʻahu shelters have closed as residents there return home, but the need across the remaining islands remains urgent.

Each role carries distinct responsibilities. Disaster Assessment volunteers evaluate storm damage to homes and gather on-the-ground information to help direct recovery resources. Disaster Emergency Supplies volunteers manage, organize, and distribute emergency supplies to people affected by the storm. Shelter Support volunteers handle registration, dormitory support, and welcoming those displaced by the storm into Red Cross facilities.

No prior disaster experience is required. The Red Cross states that volunteers who sign up now will receive rapid training so they can begin helping neighbors as soon as possible. The organization's appeal is direct: "just compassion and a willingness to help."

To volunteer, call 808-734-2101, extension 4, or visit redcross.org and click the "Volunteer" tab. With flood watches, shelter activations, and extended power outages continuing across the islands, the window to step up is now.