The images and stories chronicling the pain and destruction of Hurricane Katrina prompt the natural question: What can we do to help?

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (www.disasternews.net/) has information on the myriad organizations, faith-based groups and agencies geared toward helping those affected by Katrina. And the American Red Cross is launching its largest mobilization ever in response to a single natural disaster, supported by its Disaster Relief Fund (800-HELP NOW; www.redcross.org).

Despite the human impulse to send goods, most experts agree that monetary contributions are best. Giving money allows the relief forces to deliver exactly what is needed most by survivors, and there's no risk of stockpiled goods going unused.

Let's kokua. In Hawai'i we know all too well the destruction and loss hurricanes can generate.