On the surface things seem a bit bleak these days. Aloha Airlines and ATA stopped flying, Moloka'i Ranch stopped ranching, most everyone is feeling an economic squeeze and no one will tell you it is about to get better.

Dig a little deeper and you will finds signs of healthy communities coming to together to take care of those most affected by the recent shut downs.

Fresh out of health insurance, Aloha, ATA and Moloka'i Ranch employees have been offered discounted visits to Dr. Frank William's office. For $25 the recently unemployed can get a check up, diagnosis and referral from the compassionate board certified internist. He believes that as a physician it is his obligation to help those in need and he understands how unaffordable health insurance can be particularly in times of transition.

Flight attendants, pilots, baggage handlers, mechanics and other employees throughout the airline industry and as far away as Louisiana have been donating items like diapers and gas cards to former Aloha employees via ShareAloha.wordpress.com.

The local community has also responded by providing for specific needs like canned food, Safeway & Longs gift cards, childcare, help with resumes and even free hair cuts.

Hawaiian Airlines stepped in right away and added additional capacity to help passengers stranded with Aloha Airlines tickets. Now Hawaiian will be giving priority to former Aloha employees as it ramps up efforts to cover the void left by Aloha and ATA. With years of experience and service in Hawaii pilots, flight attendants and mechanics are perfectly trained and qualified for the new positions currently available at Hawaiian. Mokulele Airlines has already hired 8 former Aloha Employees and Island Air, also expanding in response to the abrupt shut downs, is looking for flight attendants, pilots, mechanics and ramp operators.

Last Wednesday the city of Honolulu and Bank of Hawaii got together to host a job fair to help former Aloha and ATA employees with the transition. More than 190 employers in Hawaii came forward to help displaced workers find new job opportunities. Also available at the fair was aid finding affordable health insurance, filing for unemployment and resume writing. Another job fair is scheduled for May 21st.

The Labor Department has developed a quick response team to help the 120 people who will have lost their jobs as Moloka'i Ranch closes its doors. A team of officials have put together a list of 30 private sector jobs and 20 state openings on Moloka'i that some former employees may qualify for. They are also providing extra assistance with applying for jobs, filing for unemployment, and staying insured during this difficult time.

Even in these distressed times we can feel lucky to live in Hawaii. Hawaii's people have united to reach out to those in need in a way that makes us sure the "Aloha Spirit" lives on even as we say goodbye to the companies that have been so much a part of sharing that spirit. If you would like to donate or get involved visit ShareAloha.wordpress.com.