Helper of homeless
wins Red Cross award

Utu Langi, founder of a program that serves hot meals to the homeless 11 times a week from Waianae to Waimanalo, was named the Red Cross True Blue Hero for July.

Langi founded Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope, or H-5, which started one night in 1997 when he decided to give a homeless person a blanket from his truck.

With the help of donors, more than 25,000 servings were provided to the homeless last year.

"Utu exemplifies the spirit of humanitarianism and our Red Cross mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering," said Coralie Matayoshi, chief executive officer of the Hawaii Red Cross Chapter.

"Utu is a prime example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of thousands, many of whom are young parents with children," said Clint Arnoldus, Central Pacific Bank chief executive officer, a co-sponsor of the award.

To nominate someone who has shown courage, compassion and unselfish character as a Red Cross True Blue Hero, complete a nomination form, which can be downloaded from www.hawaiiredcross.org or www.centralpacificbank.com.

For more information on the program, call the Red Cross at 739-81130.