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Isles keep on giving

A survey finds that 92%
of households donated last
year despite the economy

Vigil for isle homeless


By Helen Altonn
haltonn@starbulletin.com

Hawaii's already strong spirit of giving increased last year despite a bad economy and stock market losses, a Hawaii Community Foundation study released yesterday shows.

The study found that 92 percent of island households made donations to charities in 2001, compared with 88 percent in 1998, the last year surveyed, while the average donation rose 11 percent to $1,123 last year from $1,016 in 1998.

Kauai residents were the most giving, with 97 percent of households digging into their pockets. Next were Oahu with 92 percent, Maui at 90 percent and the Big Island, 67 percent.

"Despite the continuing problems in Hawaii's economy and a drop in the stock market, the people of Hawaii continue to give generously," said Kelvin Taketa, president and chief executive of the foundation.

Participation and giving were up last year from 1998 in every household size except for two-person households, he said.

But with a 3 percentage-point margin of error, it was "kind of a dead heat," he said.

The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks did not significantly affect giving but did influence where some people chose to send their money, according to the study.

Nonprofit organizations, led by the American Red Cross, received the most donations. Others were 9/11 funds, the Firemen's Fund and Aloha United Way. Contributions also increased to health organizations.

SMS Research conducted the 2002 Hawaii Giving Study during the summer as a follow-up to a similar study in 1999 looking at giving in 1998. It was the first in-depth look at Hawaii giving patterns. SMS surveyed 800 households for the 2002 study vs. 607 in 1999.

Among highlights of the new study:

>> Most giving is local, with heavy support for health and human services.

>> Even people who had not lived here a long time increased their donations.

>> More than four out of five households said they had made the same donation or more this year.

>> More households participated in giving last year than in 1998 except at the high income level, $75,000 or more annually.

The total average contribution of giving at the income level under $25,000 rose to $434 in 2001 from $359 in 1998. In the $25,000-to-$50,000 income category, the average contribution in 2001 was $1,107 vs. $683 in 1998. In the $50,000-to-$75,000 income group, the average total contribution went to $1,402 from $1,013. In the $75,000 income and above category, average giving dropped to $1,807 from $2,294 in 1998.

>> Giving increased for age groups younger than 45 and older than 64 but remained "virtually flat" in the 45-to-64 age category. The falling stock market over the last 18 to 20 months is believed responsible, Taketa said.

"What amazes me is how people in the lower income bracket are such incredibly generous givers," he said. It could be because services provided by community organizations make a big difference in their lives, he said.

Regarding Kauai's outstanding giving record, Taketa said a survey looked last year at community levels of trust, civic engagement and networks and showed a similar high level of participation and trust on the Garden Island.

Taketa said the "remarkable high of 92 percent" for Hawaii donations should not be taken for granted. "The services provided by our local nonprofits touch nearly every one of us each day, and these organizations rely heavily on funding from many sources. We believe that maintaining at least our current level of commitment should remain a priority for every resident."



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