Pilina Relief - Day 21 - High Winds

August 30, 2023

Aloha all, 

It was another productive day at Kona airport. The forecasted high wind certainly presented itself today. We did safely get a plane into West Maui (and back) so it was a success there. Back at the Kona airport, we spent much of the rest of the day going through donations, reboxing, and weighing them so we’ll have a few plane loads ready if/when the winds and weather cooperate tomorrow. 

My apologies for keeping the update this evening short but it was a long day in the warm Kona sun and I’m beat. I did want to send my thoughts out to those affected by Hurricane Idalia on the east coast though. I really hope for a speedy recovery for everyone affected by the winds and high water rise.

How can you help?

1.  You can help keep us general aviators and small aviation companies flying by making monetary donations to the Pilina Relief Fund page. 

2.  Here is the list of requested donations:

· Coconut water

· Sunscreen

· Can openers

· 5-gallon water bottles

· Batteries of all kinds

· Pots & Pans

· Baby formula

· Diapers (size 5 or bigger only, please. They have plenty of the smaller sizes)

Paradise Helicopters will be accepting donations of the above-named items. They are located at the Kona airport commuter terminal. If you aren’t on the big island please feel free to reach out to Mokulele, your local flight schools, or anyone around the airports. I’d bet they know how your generous donations can make their way to the donation hubs. And if you want to know what hubs our donations are going to, they are listed on the Pilina Relief page. Please direct anyone you know in West Maui who can use a little something to go to any of those hubs.

3.  Feel free to patronize some of the amazing organizations who are collaborating with us to help: Paradise Helicopters offers amazing tours around most of the major Hawaii Islands, Mauna Loa Helicopter School for those of you who want to learn to hover, Tropicbird Flight Services (fixed wing - that’s airplanes for the non-aviation folks - flight school) where I did my training and Mokulele Airlines (our local island hopper, for those of you not in Hawaii). I’m happy to add Pacific Flight Academy in Honolulu to the list of collaborators. A big mahalo to some local restaurants who have donated pilot meals: Willies Hot Chicken and Taylored Meals. We already all love Punaluu Bake Shop goods but remember to pick up another loaf next time you’re at the market. Same with Lone Palm…I love their alfalfa sprouts on my salads and sandwiches. Grab yourself a bag to support this wonderful farm! Hawaii Farming (grab your keiki cukes next time you’re at Costco) and the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council for always wanting to help feed Hawaii. And a continued mahalo to the Hawaii Food Basket for assisting us with the donation collection and for all of the wonderful work they do in feeding the people of Hawaii regardless of natural disasters!

Mahalo to you all for staying Hawaii Strong! Maui Strong! Lahaina Strong!

Dana