The kokua has been mushrooming.

Entertainers have been coming together to volunteer in mounting numbers for "Kokua for Katrina," the live concert Henry Kapono has planned for Sunday at his Kapono's nightclub at Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Now it's expanded into a live-TV effort, unifying seven TV stations and linking up a statewide audience.

"We know we're getting full because the (performing) slots are getting shorter and shorter," said Kapono of the talent roster. "We'd like to accommodate as many as possible."

He and Jon Brekke, a TV executive and director with Time Warner Oceanic, have emerged as the pillars of the largest relief effort in Honolulu to help victims and recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina's devastation two weeks ago.

"Personally, I think we're just showing that Hawai'i cares — and that we need this (benefit) because this could be us, living around water and all," said Brekke.

Kapono was planning a fundraiser when Brekke called. With assistance from entertainment attorney Bill Meyer, the modest endeavor rapidly became a bigger effort that will feature live performances 3 p.m. to midnight Sunday (all ages until 9 p.m.; 21 and over afterward).

TV stations will join in between 4 and 6 p.m. KSSK radio's Michael W. Perry and Larry Price will host during this time.

KFVE, KGMB, KHNL, KHON, KITV, PBS and OC-16 will carry the simulcast.

"I believe this is the first time TV is joining hands in a telecast since Edgy Lee's ice-epidemic special," said KITV general manager Mike Rosenberg.

That was a taped documentary; the Katrina fundraiser is live.

"All stations are volunteering personnel and outside production resources," said Dirk Fukushima, of Hawai'i Stars Presents, who's also helping the cause.

Concert headliners include Charles Michael Brotman, Cecilio and Kapono, Kalapana, Willie K, Eric Gilliom, Inoa'ole, the Opihi Pickers and Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, but Kapono said additional performers include Yvonne Elliman, Chant, B.E.T. and Ooklah the Moc.

Kaleo Pilanca and other comedians will be featured, along with slam poet Kealoha. More are still being added.

Donation boxes at Kapono's will accept checks and cash, according to volunteer Lisa Dowd, with funds going to the American Red Cross.

Kimo Kahoano will head the phone bank to accept donations, with Hawaiian Telcom providing the on-site phones.

A toll-free number, (877) 445-6582 (44-KOKUA), will accept pledges, and an O'ahu number will be posted by airtime.

Donations also will be possible at www.kokuaforkatrina.com, a Web site under construction that will be up by airtime and remain active after the event.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.