The American Red Cross is a worldwide volunteer-led humanitarian organization whose mission is to "prevent and alleviate human suffering, wherever it may be found, to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being in times of war and peace." Although established by Congressional Charter in 1905, the American Red Cross is NOT a government agency. We help those "who through no fault of their own find themselves in desperate circumstances."

The Hawaii State Chapter was founded in 1917, and has assisted victims of every major disaster in the islands� history, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Hilo tsunami, Kilauea volcanic eruptions, Hurricanes Iwa and Iniki, New Year�s and Manoa floods, Kaloko Dam burst, Big Island earthquake, Sacred Fall landslides, Xerox shooting, helicopter and airplane crashes, hostage situations, and a mercury contamination incident.

The Red Cross provides compassionate aid to victims of natural and man-made disasters that occur in Hawaii every 3 days. The Red Cross offers food, clothing, shelter, crisis counseling and emotional support to help these victims get back on their feet after a tragedy. The Red Cross responds to everyday disasters such as house fires and flooding, and is ready to respond to major disasters that may affect the entire population of Hawaii. The Red Cross helps prevent families from becoming homeless after a disaster strikes.

Hawaii Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond to disasters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and actually respond to disasters about every 3 days. We are not a government agency, yet we are always there. All disaster training and disaster services are free

To see what recent disasters we have responded to, click here