Dollar by dollar, help from Hawaii for disaster relief efforts in Japan is adding up and fast.
"They have been very generous, it's very touching, they've just been putting in money, writing checks," said Veronica Yamagata, COX Radio.
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii raised about $300 this weekend during a book signing event, on top of dollar donations.
"I think the response from Hawaii as usual, the Aloha spirit, we want to reach out to our friends and family in Japan," said Lenny Andrew, JCCH Executive Director.
Many local groups are also pledging to help Japan in any way they can.
"Yes, I would say in the thousands right now, I don't know exactly, but several major donations have come in so far," said Edwin Hawkins, Japan-America Society of Hawaii President.
The Red Cross has compiled a growing-list of local businesses who want to contribute to the cause.
"We have Crazy Shirts selling tsunami shirts and we have L&L collecting at their branches, Hilo Hattie," said Coralie Matayoshi, American Red Cross of Hawaii.
Listeners to the Japanese speaking KZOO radio station in Honolulu have called in to pledge their support.
"Especially the Japanese community in times like these they realize what the people in Japan are going thru so they are so committed to doing whatever they need to do," said Robyn Furuya, KZOO Radio General Manager.
Ukulele Master Jake Shimabukuro is also stepping up to help. His family's hometown is in Fukushima and his manager is from Sendai.
Sunday night he arranged a charity concert on the beach of Waikiki.
"We want to get everyone together, rally together and be there to show our aloha," he said.
Anyone who donated $40 walked away with one of Jake's signed CD's. Those who gave even more could also enter to receive a new ukulele.
"These are small things, but I feel like we just want to give all that we can," said Shimabukuro.
100% of the donations collected at the concert will go to the Japan relief fund.
You can help Japan by donating to any Hawaii bank or the American Red Cross at http://www.hawaiiredcross.org/ or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.
