Help visitor society help visitors

The record tourism numbers in recent years bring welcome dollars into Hawaii’s economy — but also a rise in the number of visitors who need help due to unexpected misfortunes.

That’s when the nonprofit Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH) comes onto the scene, providing vital support for visitors in distress. VASH is there for visitors who have been victims of crimes, mishaps or accidents — offering aid ranging from transportation, clothing and food vouchers, to emotional support.

Regular funding contributors cover much of the services, but growing demand requires more resources. A June 20 fundraiser is set to celebrate VASH’s 20th anniversary (call 864-9812 or see visitoralohasocietyofhawaii.org); it’s a chance to help a group that so ably helps others.

Can’t sleep? There’s a clinic for that

Who knew the power of a yawn? Multiplied many times over, sleeplessness is fueling a side business in the medical profession.

There are various sleep clinics here, the latest being Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s facility at Pearlridge Center. And there’s a reason for this activity: Sleep disorder treatment has become a growth industry, with double-digit expansion forecast in the next few years, according to market research studies.

Apparently Americans are kept awake by being glued for too many hours to electronic devices. Time to power them down. Good night!