Hawaii residents with ties to the Philippines and others are joining together to get donations and assistance to the country as soon as possible to aid victims of last week’s Typhoon Haiyan, which left a trail of mass destruction.

Robert Romasco, president of AARP, announced in a news conference Wednesday that the organization will match funds raised in the isles and the country for typhoon relief up to $500,000.

"We’ve all been touched by the devastation in the Philippines, and as our founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, said: ‘What we do, we do for all,’ and this is no exception," Romasco said at the news conference at AARP Hawaii. "As a trusted organization, AARP will ensure that 100 percent of the funds contributed will go directly to aid those who have been affected by this terrible event."

Leaders from Hawaii’s Fili­pino community were on hand at the news conference to thank the organization for its generous pledge, including former Gov. Ben Cayetano.

"I want to ask everyone out there: Whether you are Filipino or not, whether you have any connections to the Philippines, to show the generosity that I think is inherent in our country’s history and the American way," Cayetano said. "This is no ordinary disaster. This is one that is historic and we hope that you will step forward and make a contribution."

Tax-deductible donations can be made at the AARP Foundation’s secure website, aarp.org/disasterrelief.

Family members of state Rep. John Mizuno are among the missing in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, Mizuno announced Wednesday.

"My sister-in-law Maria Lyn’s family, the Paltingcas, who reside in Leyte, her daughter Sophia, dad Jacinto, brother Elbuin, sisters, nephews and nieces are still missing, and we have received no word from our family," the House vice speaker said in a news release.

Mizuno’s wife, May Besario Mizuno, attended the AARP news conference to announce that as president of the Congress of Visayan Organizations, she is working with the Fili­pino Community Center, Kokua Philippines and the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii to plan a fundraiser. "Kokua for Philippines: A Night of Hope Concert" will be held at McKinley High School on Dec. 1.

"I have family who are missing right now and we really don’t know where they’re at," she said. "We want every cent that we can raise for this devastation, so thank you so much (to AARP) for taking this initiative."

Barbara Stanton, executive director of AARP Hawaii, encouraged other nonprofit organizations and corporations to create matching programs, and said she is confident that Hawaii residents will rise to the challenge to raise $500,000 so that $1 million in aid can go to the country.

"As hard as it is for people in Hawaii, people in Hawaii have tremendous heart and they always know somebody has it worse," Stanton said. "As everybody here says, we’re all connected as one family, and to have 14.5 percent, almost 200,000 people, in Hawaii with roots to the Philippines — they’re close as if they’re in the state."

Even an out-of-state organization, a California-based beverage import company with business ties to Hawaii and the Philippines, felt compelled to help by setting up donation centers around the state to accept clothes, nonprescription medical supplies, nonperishable food and toys for typhoon victims for delivery before Christmas.

"We have ties to Hawaii so it’s just one of those situations where I think everybody who can do something should do something," Gregory Skaggs, president of G.K. Skaggs, said in a phone interview from California. "There’s a lot of people in need over there. I think we can all pitch in."

Also Wednesday, the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor ordered the activation of the hospital ship USNS Mercy to be ready to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in the Philippines.

The state Attorney General’s Office released a consumer alert Wednesday cautioning people to verify that their donations are going to reputable charities.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy, and I know the people of Hawaii are already looking for ways they can help," Attorney General David Louie said in a news release. "However, we all must be careful of scammers and charlatans."

Louie recommends that people:

» Check out charities with the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or GuideStar.

» Ask questions of people soliciting donations such as whether they are a paid fundraiser, who they work for, and what percentage of the donation goes to the charity versus the fundraiser.

» Avoid giving out personal or financial information including credit card or bank account numbers unless the charity is reputable.

» Contact charities directly to donate.

The attorney general’s database of registered charitable organizations can be found online at ag.ehawaii.gov/charity/welcome.html.