Hawaii's two largest credit unions, the $1.1 billion HawaiiState Employees FCU and the $1.1 billion Hawaii USA FCU, have nowjoined their peers in California and elsewhere in waivinginternational wire fees for members sending funds to friends andfamilies in disaster-stricken Japan.

Hawaii State posted a notice on its website Monday informingmembers it was waiving international fees “through the end of May.”A similar step was being taken by its Honolulu competitor, HawaiiUSA.

Both CUs as well as 10 others on the islands have agreed toserve as collection points for the “Aloha for Japan” relief effort,joining a statewide campaign with large Hawaii banks.

Also posted on websites are Red Cross links so members can sendcontributions to the charity as well as other groups raising fundsfor the earthquake/tsunami victims.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania the $226 million Erie GeneralElectric FCU, through a partnership with the American Red Cross ofErie, said it was encouraging donations to the American Red Crossof Erie and a local Disaster Relief Fund.

Fees on coin counting machines will be waived for those donating$5 of their change for the Japan relief donations, said the ErieCU.

Erie CEO Gail Cook was chosen this year as a local “American RedCross HERO,” becoming part of HEROES for the American Red Cross, agrassroots fundraising and awareness campaign. Heroes pledge toraise $1,000 each for the Red Cross during the campaign period.

“My initial goal was set to raise $1,000 as a HERO for the RedCross. But, that goal was decided before the recent earthquake andtsunami disaster,” said Cook. “I know with the support of thecommunity and my amazing family, friends, and employees at thecredit union, I can exceed my goal and provide even more funds tobe used for relief efforts in Japans.