Molokai grassroots group to host fundraiser concert to support stray animal care

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A grassroots group on Molokai working to protect stray animals will host a fundraising concert Saturday.

The event aims to raise money for Molokai Community Veterinary Hui (MCVH).

Volunteers currently work out of a donated shipping container, where Hawaii vets can practice.

MCVH leaders said it addresses a critical stray and sick animal crisis on the island, where there are no resident vets.

Letisha Kolb, with MCVH, said it can be hard for residents to afford taking their pet to Oahu for treatment.

“Unless you have money, you can jump on a plane and quick fly over to an emergency room on Oahu. But I’m going to tell you, we don’t have that kind of money here,” she said. “So by playing music, it’s my way of expressing and blessing others.”

Hui founders and volunteers said they built the facility themselves and operate it without pay. They also offer free community animal first-aid workshops.

Organizers said the fundraising concert will feature Grammy Award-winning slack-key guitarist Uncle George Kahumoku Jr., Grammy Award-winning musician Daniel Ho, Molokai’s own Lono, and other talented performers.

The family-friendly celebration will also feature a free keiki ʻukulele workshop, hula, crafts, raffle prizes, food and live music.

Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the concert ends at 7:30 p.m.

All proceeds will pay for medical supplies, equipment, veterinary travel and vet care for families in need.

Donations can be sent online here.