LAHAINA – The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii-Maui Office is gearing up for its annual “Let’s Dine Out for Kidney Disease.”

This second annual fundraiser is possible through the support of Maui’s outstanding restaurants, said Jill Holley, NKFH director. She noted, “Everybody loves to dine out, and the NKFH hopes that Maui will bring the ‘ohana and choose to dine out on Tuesday, August 9.”

“Dine Out for Kidney Disease” is a benefit that allocates funds for community screenings. Participating restaurants include 5 Palms, Ruby Tuesday and Kamaole Poolside Cafe in Kihei; Casanova in Makawao; Ami Ami, Amigo’s, Las Pinata’s and Bistro Casanova in Kahului; Zing Maui in Wailuku; Milagros in Paia; and Brigit and Bernard’s, Captain Jack’s, Lahaina Yacht Club, Castaways, Fleetwood’s on Front Street, Frida’s Mexican Beach House, Honu Seafood and Pizza, Longhi’s, Lulu’s Surf Club, Mala Tavern, Maui Brewing Company, and Sea House at Napili Kai in West Maui. NKFH invites you to mark your calendars and visit one of the above listed restaurants on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is called a “silent killer,” because most people who have it don’t know it until it’s too late and their kidneys are already failing. Hawaii leads the country in chronic kidney disease with a rate 30 percent higher than the national average. The great news is that with early detection, education, medication and lifestyle changes, CKD is treatable.

Early intervention patients have a chance to control CKD in the early stages, and to stop, slow and delay the progression of kidney disease or end-stage kidney failure and the need for dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant to survive. For information, call 986-1900.