Hawaii residents are offering relief aid to Samoa, which suffered worse damage and loss of life in the recent tsunami than American Samoa.

“;Many people in the Samoan community here in Hawaii have family, friends and loved ones in both Samoa and in American Samoa,”; Mayor Mufi Hannemann said last month. “;Both islands suffered substantial damage during the tsunami, with independent Samoa bearing the brunt of the flooding and the loss.”;

The mayor's brother, Gus Hannemann, heads a committee to organize a fundraising and relief efforts.

The committee is working with Samoan churches and Matson Navigation to send clothing, bedding and other relief supplies to Samoa.

Samoa's prime minister has promised to get donations and supplies to those who need them the most.

Samoa, formerly Western Samoa, is an independent nation and does not get the same assistance as American Samoa, a U.S. territory.

The committee is encouraging monetary donations. People who want to donate should make checks payable to “;SAMOA Tsunami Relief Fund”; and make donations at any First Hawaiian Bank branch. Donations can also be sent to the Samoa Relief Hawaii Committee, P.O. Box 25188, Honolulu 96825.

A list of donors will be sent to the prime minister and Mayor Hannemann for acknowledgment.