[ OUR OPINION ]

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Tsunami relief effort
reflects worldwide compassion

THE ISSUE United Nations officials say it is near the goal of raising nearly $1 billion for immediate aid to tsunami victims.

HAWAII has joined the rest of the world in an unprecedented outpouring of relief for tsunami victims in the 12 nations around the Indian Ocean, putting to rest the notion that Western nations are "stingy." That was the word used two weeks ago by Norwegian Jan Egeland, the United Nations' emergency relief coordinator, in describing past humanitarian aid by wealthy countries. Egeland now says the international response to the tsunami is unprecedented.

The East-West Center has received more than $280,000 for its tsunami relief fund, to be distributed to various agencies providing emergency medical supplies, food and water to victims. A sold-out fund-raiser organized by chef Chai Chaowasaree at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Monday night took in more than $130,000.

Relief efforts at island churches and residents' direct contributions to national organizations are so numerous and diverse that dollar estimates are impossible. Anecdotal information indicates the contributions from Hawaii easily have surpassed a half-million dollars.

Hawaii-based military units have been in the forefront of the relief effort. Navy helicopters have delivered food, water and medical supplies from the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, the centerpiece of the relief operation. Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard and the Army's 559th Transportation Group have been participating in the effort, and other Navy and Marine units are on call to be sent to the stricken region.

"We are seeing an extraordinary effort, probably unique in the history of mankind, in meeting the needs of 5 million tsunami-affected victims," Egeland said.

The United Nations asked for $1 billion in immediate aid from governments and private sources. More than $7 billion has been pledged and $717 million has been received. Much of the pledged amount will be spread over years, but immediate assistance is needed.

Unfortunately, much of the amount pledged by countries might never be backed up with cash. On average, countries pay only 50 percent of what they pledge, according to the international aid group Oxfam. For example, only one-third of the $9 billion pledged for victims of Hurricane Mitch in Central America in 1998 materialized. The United States came through with only $200 million of the $450 million it promised to Afghanistan last year.

Spokeswoman Amy Barry also said Oxfam fears that money donated to charitable, non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, and intended for African relief might be shifted to Asia, a concern shared by President Bush.

"It is essential that your contribution not replace the ongoing contributions you're making to help the NGOs of America," the president said. "You should view the tsunami relief as extra help." The Bush administration should set an example by refusing to pay for the tsunami relief with money intended for other humanitarian efforts.