Hawaii Republican Joins Local Volunteers Deploying to Orlando

From Honolulu County Republican Party, September 8, 2017

As many of you know, Irma is a Category 5 super storm moving across the Caribbean with 175+ mph sustained winds -- and Irma has her eye on Florida.  Republican Governor Rick Scott has ordered mandatory evacuations for the Florida Keys and low-lying parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but warned that others in Florida need to watch Irma's path and be ready to move.

Gov. Scott also urged Floridians to not only get ready, but to get ready to give back in advance of Hurricane Irma.  That’s why volunteers with the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other organizations are standing by.  But they are not enough to provide aid in the case of a devastating direct impact on South Florida by Irma.

Yesterday, with hurricane Irma poised to hit Florida soon, the Hawaii Red Cross was already preparing to provide relief efforts in the Sunshine State and deployed local volunteers from Oahu (4), Kauai (1), and Big Island (1) to Orlando.  One of our own Republican members is amongst this group of brave volunteers.

Deb Arguello, a Republican member from HD-41 and national convention delegate to Cleveland in 2016, is heading to Orlando.  In a statement before departing Deb said, “I've volunteered and trained on and off with the Red Cross since retiring from the Air Force in 2014.  Every time there is a disaster I always wish I could be there to help on the ground, and being part of Red Cross gives me that opportunity.  I will be going as part of the Red Cross Shelter Management Team.  We’ll be setting up and managing a shelter for Florida families affected by Hurricane Irma, providing them food and comfort while they wait to return to their homes.”

While Floridians are moving away from Irma’s path, Deb is one of many brave volunteers from Hawaii heading into the eye of the storm.  Deb also stated, "They were originally going to send me to Austin for Harvey. Now I’m going to Orlando for Irma."

Although going as part of the Shelter Management Team, Deb is also trained on the Red Cross’ Disaster Assessment Team, and could easily transition from shelter management to disaster assessment once Irma passes.  

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all Floridians and our deepest appreciation goes to our nation’s brave volunteers like Deb Arguello.  Godspeed, take care, and return home safely.

Respectfully,

Brett Kulbis

Honolulu County Chairman