Ku'u Maui

In light of the recent devastating Maui wildfires across Maui Island, we wanted to share space and resources for hoa and 'ohana on Maui that need help, and for those that want to help both near and far. It has been heartbreaking to truly see this disaster hit so close to home, and yet also heartwarming to see our communities across Hawai'i come together to support those in West Maui.

An ʻōlelo no'eau came to mind that felt right in the na'au to share that can inspire us to move forward:

"Ho‘omoe wai kāhi ke kāo‘o. Let us progress in unity like water flowing in one direction."

While the skies may feel gray and there seems to be no hope in times like these, know that together as a lāhui we can move forward in the storms that are thrown away. We can move forward like wai moving in one direction, together as one, in unity and aloha. No matter what can come in front of us or try to block our path, water moves around all obstacles and continues on. All of us across Hawai'i can overcome this tragedy together and see a new horizon no matter the hardships that come our way.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS: Consider donating to the following funds that are specifically focused on aiding Maui during this challenging time:

• Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong fund: Focusing on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs. More details.

• Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County. More details.

• Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced people and animals, and caring for injured animals. Emergency fosters also sought. More details.

• Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits. More details.

• The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division: Providing food and resources for evacuees. More details.

• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching up to $1 million in donations for Maui fire victims as of Thursday afternoon. More details.

• World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations. More details.

• Kako'o Maui fund

  • Funds will go to families and businesses.
  • You can donate here.
  • The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Alakaina Foundation Family, and Kakoo Haleakala will match up to $100,000 in donations for Kakoo Maui.

• ‘Āina Momona

  • This fundraiser is through the Hawaii Community Foundation.
  • For details, click here.

• Donate at your nearest Foodland: Foodland stores are accepting donations at checkout to support the American Red Cross of Hawaii’s efforts toward Maui fire relief. Shoppers can:

• Make donations of up to $249
• Donate 250 Maikai points ($5 equivalent donation)
• Round up purchases to the nearest dollar
• Donate change
• Chef Hui is also offering aid to Maui and mobilizing volunteers to prepare food and send resources to those in need. See their link to sign up as a volunteer or donate goods as well.

INFORMATION ON DISASTER RESPONSE EFFORTS:

1. HIEMA

   1. 808-733-4300

   2. HawaiiEMA@hawaii.gov

   3. john.a.vierra@hawaii.gov

2. RED CROSS

   1. masscare@redcross.org

RESOURCES FOR MENTAL HEALTH

1. Disaster distress helpline: Provides 24/7 crisis counseling. If you know someone who needs support, call or text 1-800-985-5990

2. School Safety and Crisis information: Offers resources for dealing with crisis situations, including information on school safety - especially valuable for families with children.

3. Child Trauma Resources: Provides resources specifically tailored to helping children cope with trauma caused by disasters.

4. TeenLink hawaiʻi: Teenagers and Young Adults can find mental health support and services.

INFORMATION AND UPDATES

1. Maui County Website: For the latest updates and info directly from Maui County. Stay informed about the ongoing situation and recovery efforts.

2. Reunification Assistance: The Red Cross offers a helpline for individuals seeking reunification assistance. If you’re looking for information about loved ones, please call 1 (800) 733-2767

3. Stay Informed: For updates on individuals accounted for and unaccounted for, visit this google spreasheet list that is updated throughout the day. Share with others and use it to help those looking for loved ones.

4. For those on Kaua‘i: throughout August, Mālama Kaua‘i is donating all proceeds from Maui products bought on kauailocalfood.com to Maui fire victims.

5. For those on O‘ahu: The Maui Senate Delegation has organized a Maui Fire Relief Donation Drive at the State Capitol on Thursday, 8/10/23, and Friday, 8/11/23 from 10am to 2pm. All donated items will be sent directly to the County of Maui. Suggested donation items include: toiletries, diapers, formula, toys, clothing (all ages, all sizes), new bedding, new pillows, household goods, non-perishable food items. There are two drop off sites: On Beretania St. in front of the Father Damien Statue Basement level from Miller St. Ramp – Capitol parking lot in front of the double doors

6. Community Lomi Event @ Ka Waiwai ma Mō’ili'ili Friday August 11 @ 5 PM by CNHA, Ka Pā o Lonopūhā, and the Waiwai Collective. Collecting donations, holding space, and fundraising to uplift the mauli ola of the great moku of Maui. Special call out to all musicians to share your melodies. More info here

As wildfires and other disasters born from climate change increase in severity, the role of Resilience HUBS across our islands will aid in filling the role of resource stations in these gray sky situations and offer relief and stability in these times. Resilience has never been more important for our lāhui than it is now and we must persevere and push forward together in unity.

May our aloha that makes us so unique in this world show that we are a strong people and that we truly can overcome anything as long as we do so together as one.

Ku'u Maui, Aloha wau ʻiā ʻoe.