Aloha in Action benefit concert raises money for flood victims

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Large crowds gathered in Ko Olina on Thursday for a benefit concert to support flood victims from last month’s Kona low storms.

The Aloha in Action benefit concert boasted an all-star lineup, including Jack Johnson, Kokohe Kai, Jason Momoa, Amy Hanaialii and Kimie Miner, to name a few.

“We called it ‘Aloha in Action,’ because, really, that’s what it’s all about. Everyone just showing their aloha, coming together and making sure that we’re doing our part to support others when there is need,” said Kuhio Lewis, president and CEO of the Hawaiian Council.

Proceeds from the concert will go to the Hawaiian Council’s Kakoo Mai fund to benefit residents affected by the flood, with some also going to nonprofit organizations providing support.

So far, organizers said they’ve raised almost $3 million in collective funds.

“It’s going to go to support the nonprofits that are on the ground doing that important work, oftentimes it’s hard to raise the money at the same time, so we’re being that conduit to help them to do that part, raise the money to make sure they’re resourced and supporting our community.”

Lewis said they are using their experience from assisting with the recovery of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires to help flood-impacted residents.

“We learned a lot in helping the Lahaina residents recover, he said. “So when we saw what was going on here, we applied all of our knowledge to helping the residents that were impacted by the floods.”

Organizers say as of earlier Thursday afternoon, 6,500 tickets were sold.

The concert runs until 10 p.m., and tickets are still available.

“Just come down,” he said. “We’re still selling tickets at the door. We don’t want to deny anyone. It’s a great showing of the community coming together.”

There is a charge for parking, cash only.