Hot Shots – 10/11/23

More Timely Help For The Valley Isle

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club and Mahina & Sun’s jumped into action days after the Maui fires to organize a donation drive on O‘ahu. Many came together to assist the hotel and restaurant with the event, which included the donation of essential items such as gently used clothing and towels, toiletries and canned goods. Pictured (from left) are Surfjack’s Sam Arita, vice president of sales and marketing; Kane Villacencio, houseman; Jay Puahi, maintenance manager; Channy Motoyama, director of guest services; Pam Kaina, director of housekeeping and maintenance; and Jay Otarra, maintenance supervisor. PHOTO COURTESY LYNETTE EASTMAN/THE SURFJACK HOTEL & SWIM CLUB

Panda Shows Love For Medical Center

Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, raised $439,077 in 2022 for programs and services at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Hawai‘i’s only Children’s Miracle Network hospital — and drew closer to its goal of committing $5 million to the facility. To celebrate the occasion, dozens of Panda Express employees met with keiki at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children in September to engage in games, face painting and picture taking. PHOTO COURTESY KAPI‘OLANI MEDICAL CENTER FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN

Group Offers Aid To Restore Lahaina

Hitachi Group donated $100,000 to support the rebuilding of the Lahaina community, with $20,000 of those funds going to Aloha United Way for its Maui Relief Fund. Pictured (from left) are Emmaly Calibraro, vice president of resource development and donor relations, Aloha United Way; Suzanne Skjold, chief operating officer, Aloha United Way; Ryan Bousmail, senior project manager, Hitachi Rail Honolulu; and John Fink, president and chief executive officer, Aloha United Way. PHOTO COURTESY HITACHI GROUP