HONOLULU -- Leaders of Hawaii's Samoan community on Wednesday gathered to grieve and look at how to help loved ones hit by the earthquake and tsunami. The gathering at City Hall was organized by Gus Hannemann, brother of Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann.

The mayor left Wednesday morning on a previously scheduled trip to Seattle for a conference.

"We just want to let people know and let the people of Samoa know that we are praying for them that's what we are going to do tomorrow night," Gus Hannemann said.

The first pictures and video of the devastating earthquake and tsunami have moved community leaders to decide on a prayer service.

It will be held at Waipahu Lighthouse Center is expected to draw pastors and reverends from more than 100 Samoan churches in Hawaii.

Chief Pulefano Galeai, of the Council of Laie, learned he lost two family members in the tsunami -- a 14-year-old boy and another relative in her 40s whose daughter currently lives with him in Laie.

"To have your own immediate family die and in a tragedy like this it's a little harder," Galeai said.

State of Hawaii Officers Police Organization President Tenari Maafala is also grieving his loss.

"I know for sure I have lost an aunt and an uncle. Unfortunately we don't have any cell phones and land lines are down so my family is going door-to-door and we know two have been confirmed as deceased," Maafala said.

Others wait in anticipation not knowing the fate of loved ones. Kealii Lum worries for his uncle.

"My family is retired Col. Mapu Genais. We have not heard from him yet," Lum said.

The group announced it scheduled a prayer service to mourn those killed in the earthquake and tsunami.

The event will be held at the Waipahu Lighthouse Outreach Center at 94-230 Leokane St. at 7 p.m. The facility holds about 400 people.

The leaders said they want to first bring their members together to pray for their family and friends in Samoa.

The leaders are discussing holding a larger event, perhaps a vigil, at Keehi Lagoon Park or the state Capitol.

American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono left Hawaii Tuesday night to return to the island. He was in Hawaii for meetings.

His office started a food drive. You can donate canned goods, rice bags, bottled water and other non-perishable food to the office at 1427 Dillingham Blvd. Suite 210. It is located above Boulevard Saimin.

The governor's office began the American Samoa and Samoa Tsunami Relief Fund. People can make donations at any Bank of Hawaii branch.