Oahu Publications Inc., the parent company of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, is providing warehouse space to the American Red Cross in Hilo for the storage of goods to be used at its shelters.

The Red Cross said last week it needed about 10,000 square feet of space in Hilo.

OPI President Dennis Francis agreed to offer space on the first floor of the Tribune-Herald building in downtown Hilo.

“We were in dire need of warehouse space to store essential supplies like cots, water, comfort kits and other relief items,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, American Red Cross CEO for Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. “Without hesitation, (Tribune-Herald Editor and Publisher) David Bock and the Hawaii Tribune-Herald stepped up to the plate and offered precious warehouse space to us at no charge. We cannot thank them enough for their wonderful contribution to our humanitarian relief effort here on the Big Island.”

The Red Cross is operating three shelters for hundreds of residents evacuated due to the Kilauea lava threat. The shelters are at the Pahoa Community Center, the Keaau Community Center and the Sure Foundation Church.

“As our Red Cross Kilauea lava disaster operations ramp up to accommodate the potential for further evacuations, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the local community in offering to assist,” said Matayoshi.

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