Kokua International  Bringing aid, hope and relief
"We become whatever we are committed to." -Rick Warren The primary focus of our organization is to extend aid to the poor and underprivileged of the world, typically during times of crisis. Kokua  is a Hawaiian word meaning, "to help and to bring aid." Kokua International  was established in Hawaii and is registered both in Hawaii and in Washington state. Kokua is a non-denominational Christian organization. We are dedicated to bringing aid without strings attached and without hesitation to help, regardless of religious affiliation. We believe that compassion and love are fueled by the love of Jesus.	Kokua International has been involved in sending teams to devastated areas for the past year. They took two trips into Indonesia following the tsunami in December of 2004, and two to the Gulf Coast region following the hurricanes in 2005. The following are reports of what was done there. For pictures of these trips, visit the photo gallery.   Louisiana Hurricane Relief After Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast in August of 2005, Kokua began to collect donations from local businesses and individuals in Kennewick, Washington, and they soon took a team and a van full of supplies down to Louisiana. Working with a local church, the Florida Blvd. Baptist Church, they helped to pass out supplies, council stranded families, and be the hands for the church's well-planned aid station. The people they met there were in great need, however, the response of our nation was much greater than they'd seen on previous trips overseas... read more.     Nias Island Earthquake Relief In May of 2005, Kokua returned from a three week trip to Gunung Sitoli, the main town on Nias. While there they set up daily medical clinics, treating around 100 people a day. They also gave haircuts, prayed for people, and listened to each persons story. The response from the people was very warm and receptive as they were so desperate for help. As one team member said, "I could stay here three months and not even treat everyone within one block." There is still much aid needed... read more.            Banda Aceh Tsunami Relief   Kokua's first response - January 2005 Following the tsunamis off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia on December  26th, 2004, Kokua organized a team of relief workers to send into Banda Aceh. They returned on February 3rd. While there, they set up two water purification systems, administered medical aid, and established relationships with the local people. Kokua will continue to be involved in caring for the people of this region until they are able to care for themselves once again... read more.
	Kokua International is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization.