HONOLULU – While six survivors of the Aliamanu fireworks explosion are receiving treatment in Arizona, some of their loved ones have also traveled there to assist with their recovery.
Efforts are currently underway to assist these families during their difficult time away from home.
Hawaii News Now has learned that at least 14 Hawaiian family members are currently in Phoenix. We’re told they’re being housed in three hotels, and some of them are preparing for long stays.
“(The patients) will all be there for at least three months, if not six or seven on the high side, depending on the percentage of the burn,” said Rex Albright of the Arizona Burn Foundation.
The foundation provides emotional and financial support to families whose loved ones are receiving treatment at the burn center.
Donations have enabled them to provide food, lodging, and social services for the 14 family members.
They are currently preparing for long-term assistance.
“Just lodging alone is going to be over $5,000 per family, so multiply by six families, that’s $30,000 with food, so you’re looking at 50-, 60-thousand dollar outlay of cash for the next several months,” Albright told me.
Former Hawaii residents who now live in Arizona have also organized community efforts online to see how they can help.
“We did have one Hawaiian family that has a home who does rent out out Airbnb say they are willing to donate their home which is great,” Albright pointed out.
