Princess Ashika Tragedy: How you can help

Press Releases
Tongan-Americans gather aid for Ashika victims

THE Tongan communities in the United States are rising to the occasion to send assistance home to Tonga for the families of the victims in the inter-island ferry MV Princess Ashika's mysterious sinking August 5, during a Tongatapu-to-Ha'apai/Vava'u voyage. Seventy passengers and crew members are presumed dead.

The Tongan-American community leaders have had two meetings so far. Among others that attended this meeting were Hon. Cecil Cocker (Tongan Consulate General), Mr. Talo Mahu'inga (President of Kainga Tonga USA Inc.), Rev. Maile Koloto (President of Tongan National Caucus of the United Methodist Church), President Stake Havili (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), Rev. Paula Ohuafi (Church of Tonga), Rev. Sione Mahe (Free Church of Tonga), and Pastor Vaka Taimani (Assemblies of God).

The meeting agreed to dedicate Sunday, August 23rd, as a National Day of Prayer and Mourning, by all Tongans living in the United States, for those directly affected by the "Princess Ashika" tragedy. All proceedings for the National Prayer Day are to be arranged by the church leaders and their respective congregations.

It was also decided that the most effective way to assist the victims' families is to help these families directly in Tonga. A Harvard-Oxford educated Tongan-American community leader and Project Director at the Institute for Scientific Analysis, Sione K. Tupouniua was therefore assigned to leave for Tonga immediately on a fact-finding mission on behalf of the Tongan communities in the U.S. He plans to interview the victims' families throughout Tonga to find out the most effective way that the Tongan communities in the U.S can help. Mr. Tupouniua is confirmed to leave for Tonga, August 20th.

Furthermore, the fundraising appeal for a "Princess Ashika Relief Fund" is to be put into effect immediately. A new bank account has been opened to receive contributions. The account information is as follows:

Name of Account: Kainga Tonga USA Princess Ashika
Relief Fund Account Number: 05362-71306
Name of Bank: Bank of America
4054 Macarthur Blvd
Oakland, Ca 94619
Phone: (510) 649 6600

If you wish to donate using a credit/debit card please call the branch-office number (510) 649 6600 to assist you in making your contribution. Further enquiries on this can be made to Ms. Lusia Saulala (510) 479 7817, Rev. Maile Koloto (510) 823 3227, and Mr. Talo Mahu'inga (650) 834 1111.

Western Union has been approached to provide their services as colleting agents for those who do not have easy access to Bank of America. Details on this matter will be released once finalized.

The meeting requested that contributions to the fund be initiated on Sunday August 23rd (National Prayer Day) by Tongan churches through their Sunday-church-collections. Employers and co-workers of Tongan-Americans are also invited to participate in this fundraising effort.

For additional information please contact the e-mail address below to receive up-to-date Questions & Answers on the entirety of the "Princess Ashika" Tragedy.

Contact Name: Sione K Tupouniua Email: sionekt@yahoo.com
Phone: (USA) 650- 834. 5220 (Tonga) 676- 22697 or 7749310. Tongan-American, 20/08/09.

Show #17-- Princess Ashika Tragedy

On August 05, 2009, the Princess Ashika ferry carrying 128 passengers on board sunk about 11 nautical miles, south-west of Nomuka Island on its way to Ha'apai in the Kingdom of Tonga. They were able to rescue 54 passengers, recovered 2 bodies, and unfortunately could not locate the other 72 passengers [inclusive of men, women, and children] who remain missing.

After weeks of camping out by the wharf waiting to hear if their loved ones had been found, the families were given word by the search and rescue crew that no other bodies were recovered. The families of the victims joined by the rest of the Kingdom on August 25, 2009, traveled to where the Princess Ashika sunk and held a mass burial ceremony at sea. Indeed a very sad time for all Tongans regardless of where they reside in the world.



[Pictures taken by Sione Langi]

This week on our radio program we hope to speak with one of our correspondents in the Tonga [if we can get through]. We have been having some issues in trying to get through to Tonga and because there is an ongoing investigation about the events leading up to the tragedy, some of the individuals we planned to speak to are unable to speak publicly about it at this time.

We hope to join hands with all Tongans around the world in mourning the loss of all those who were impacted by this unfortunate tragedy.

Live on Utah Free Media
http://www.utahfm.org
Every Thursday evening from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM U.S. Mountain Standard Time

To join the discussion:
Phone: 866-716-1991 (toll free) or local is 801-878-0506
Email: onair@utahfm.org while we are on air
Email: pacificeyeradio@utahfm.org (anytime)

Show #16 - Pacific Eye Radio SUPERSIZED!

In 2003 Jack Johnson and his wife Kim Johnson founded the The Kokua Hawaii Foundation, a 501(c)3 charity organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Johnson’s native home state of Hawai'i. Their mission is to provide students with exciting and interactive encounters that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so they will be lifelong stewards of the earth.

Tonight's guest will be Kokua Hawaii Foundation spokeswoman Carol Feinga to talk more about the foundation and its mission and environmental action campaigns.

In addition, we'll catch up on the latest news and discuss the hot button issues from our global Pacific Island communities.

BONUS: We will be filling in for Milo's show This, That & The Other, which comes on right after our show...yes, boys and girls - we will have a 3 hour show tonight! Celebrate!

Give us a call and we'll chat live on air..you know the drill....contact info below:

Live on Utah Free Media
http://www.utahfm.org
Every Thursday evening from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM U.S. Mountain Standard Time

To join the discussion:
Phone: 866-716-1991 (toll free) or local is 801-878-0506
Email: onair@utahfm.org while we are on air
Email: pacificeyeradio@utahfm.org (anytime)

Still on Holiday...

Contrary to internet rumors, we most certainly are NOT on holiday with G5, while Tonga is mourning the loss of lives in the recent tragedy of the Princess Ashika. We aren't that heartless!

Rather, we are on holiday because we have a hot date with Toots & the Maytals tonight at the Gallivan Center. So, tonight's show will feature a rebroadcast of the Pacific Eye.

Next week we will be back in full force with our guest, Miss Carol Feinga, spokesperson for Jack Johnson's KOKUA Hawaii Foundation, plus, we'll catch up on the latest news and events.

"No water can cool this fire, only the Lord can help us, I cry for peace..in this neighborhood" - Toots Hebert

peace & love...

BE RIGHT BACK....

We will on break this week! Tune in next week to another exciting Pacific Eye Radio Show with our guest Carol Feinga of the Kokua Foundation. In the meantime, hope to see many of you tomorrow night at the Three Houses Down concert at The Depot.

THURSDAY AUGUST 6TH at The Depot in Gateway (21 years old+)
Tickets ON SALE NOW at www.smithtix.com
$20 Advance/$25 At the door
Doors open at 7:30pm. Show starts at 8:00pm.
THREE HOUSES DOWN: also featuring Natural Roots, Mana Poly All-Stars, Lake Effect, Cubworld and Guest DJ: The Specialist

FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH at the Utah Multi-Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley
(Island Groove VIP entrance FREE w/ ticket stub)
$15 for Adult, $5 for ages 6-17 and 5 & under FREE.
4:00pm-11:00pm
THREE HOUSES DOWN: also featuring Junior Malie, Lake Effect, Teki, Na Drua, Smiling Souls and Guest DJ's: Whiz and The Specialist