HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, and their marketing partner, the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) are supporting those affected by Superstorm Sandy through the American Red Cross.

The HTA and HVCB will join the American Red Cross’ virtual campaign by placing a banner on their websites, HawaiiTourismAuthority.org, GoHawaii.com and hvcb.org, encouraging people to make a donation in support of relief efforts.

“Our hearts and aloha go out to all those affected by the storm on the East Coast,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the HTA. “As an island state, we are also susceptible to natural disasters and understand the challenges that lie ahead in rebuilding. In true Hawai‘i spirit, we want to help in any way possible.”

The Red Cross has responded to Superstorm Sandy by servicing more than 1.6 million meals and snacks, 52,000 overnights stays, distributing more than 91,600 relief items, and offering health and emotional support for nearly 24,000 people. The Hawai‘i chapter has sent 19 local volunteers to help in the areas that have been heavily affected.

“We’re pleased to support the American Red Cross in their humanitarian efforts by utilizing the highly trafficked GoHawaii.com websites to reach out to our partners, to help raise awareness and funds,” said John Monahan, HVCB president and CEO.

Another storm followed Sandy bringing heavy rain, strong winds and snow, slowing the recovery in the Northeast.

“When natural disaster strikes, the American Red Cross is always there,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the America Red Cross Hawai‘i State Chapter. “It takes a community to make an impact and we are grateful for the support of the HTA, HVCB and their constituents, and everyone else who is joining our campaign. Every dollar donated helps.”

Donors can designate their funds specifically for the ‘American Red Cross Superstorm Sandy Relief’ or ‘Where the Need is Greatest.’

About Hawai‘i Tourism Authority

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is a state agency established by law in 1998 to ensure a successful visitor industry and tourism economy in the state of Hawai‘i. As the state’s tourism authority, its mission is to strategically manage tourism to optimize benefits for Hawai‘i, integrating the interests of visitors, the community and visitor industry. Through the implementation of the statewide Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan and HTA’s own strategic plan, the authority works to direct Hawai‘i tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with our economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources, community desires, and visitor industry needs. For more information on the HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau

The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau is contracted by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the state’s tourism agency, for marketing management services in North America.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.