05/05/2020
Aloha friends and Lions,
This message is to notify you that unfortunately the Hawaii Lions Eye Bank & Makana Foundation is effectively not in operation following the termination of the Executive Director and sole Certified Eye Bank Technician by the Hawaii Lions Foundation board. The Director was terminated for refusing an order to furlough staff required for Eye Bank operations that would also have broken multiple contracts requiring 24 hour contacts. As HLEBMF no longer meets Eye Bank Association of America requirements and lacks the staff to perform its duties, the Eye Bank is closed and it is unknown if it will reopen.
The Director had been with the Eye Bank for almost 8 years at the time of termination and despite many issues with substandard salaries, treatment, and benefits had continued to keep the Eye Bank running and supplying our local surgeons with corneas for their patients. At this time local surgeons have been advised to reach out to the San Diego Eye Bank, a longtime friend of the Hawaii Lions Eye Bank, for all surgical needs and San Diego has graciously agreed to help out with our surgeons until and unless HLEBMF is able to be brought back online.
I am grateful for the opportunity that I've had to work with our local surgeons and families and to serve our community as the former Eye Bank Director. Please stay safe everyone and take care.
Regards,
Michael Simao
Former Executive Director
Hawaii Lions Eye Bank and Makana Foundation
