There are Visitor Assistance programs on all four major Hawaiian Islands, each operating separately and independently of one another, but each dedicated to the mission of sharing the aloha spirit with visitors facing adversities. All of the programs are funded by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA).

2. Who is eligible for VASH services?
Only those visiting Hawai`i Island are eligible for services upon referral from an appropriate agency. To determine if someone is a visitor, we will look at a variety of variables such as home address, property ownership, length of stay, whether or not the person possesses a return ticket home, and where they are staying. Visitors from neighbor islands may be eligible for services as well.

3. Why does VASH serve only visitors?
There are a variety of services and support systems available for island residents who also have the advantage of friends and neighbors close by. Visitors are far from home…far from family and friends and their own resources and support systems. VASH services are funded by the visitor hotel tax dollars through the Hawai`i Tourism Authority and are intended to provide a safety net for visitors.

4. How does a visitor receive assistance from VASH Hawaii Island?
Visitors are referred to VASH Hawai`i Island usually from the Hawai`i County Police Department, local hospitals or others in the visitor industry. These are generally the "first responders" who can advise VASH about particular situations and the potential need for assistance.

5. What services does VASH Hawai`i Island provide?
The services we provide vary with each situation. VASH staff or volunteers move quickly to assess each case on an individual basis and prioritize needs. This involves a personal visit or a phone call with the visitor so that we can understand the situation and the resources and support a visitor may already have as well as those supportive services that might be needed. Some of the more typical services may include the following:
• Information & Referral (i.e. credit card cancelations, ID theft information, etc.)
• Food certificates (restaurant and/or grocery store) to meet immediate needs
• Local emergency transportation (i.e. from hospital to hotel)
• Assistance with changes to travel, lodging and rental car arrangements
• Emotional support
• Bereavement support in visitor death cases
• Small aloha gift bags
Our goal is to be the family or friendly neighbor next door for a visitor who is far from home and their own support systems.

6. Does VASH pay for airfare or hotels?
No. VASH is not able to assist visitors with airfare or lodging expenses. We may be able to advocate for airline fee waivers or lodging discounts, but can make no assurances of their availability.

7. Hawai`i Island use volunteers?
Yes! Volunteers provide hundreds of hours of service in assisting visitors as well as doing office work, assisting with events, and soliciting donations.

8. Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. VASH Hawai`i Island is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with donations being deductible to the extent allowed by law. We accept cash donations as well as in-kind gifts of goods and services.

9. Is VASH Hawai`i Island a part of the pier greeting program or the Aloha Patrol?
No. Those wonderful services are operated by other organizations and their terrific volunteers. VASH services target crisis situations where a visitor is in need of immediate or urgent assistance.