We at HON are still reeling from the news about Maui. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims of this horrible disaster. Katherine Lindell, editor
As of this writing, 56 have died. Probable cause of fire: downed HECO power lines on tinder-dry grass combined with extremely high wind conditions.
Our beautiful Lahaina is gone. Our ties run deep . . . we've not been able to process this nightmare.
Our community is strong . . . we are like ohana when this kind of thing happens. In less than 24 hours of the news breaking about the Lahaina fires, thousands of pounds of relief aid has been collected, stacked on pallets and put on a ship bound for Maui. Less than 24 hours. And there is every indication that the groundswell of grassroots volunteers and relief has just begun.
The purpose of this post is to appeal to every single person in our community to reach out to those in Maui who need our help. Below we have posted some of the activities that have already taken place, and will be taking place shortly. Please contact us as more come on line. We appeal to each and every one of you to please help in whatever way you can. The rebuilding process will take months if not years.
Watch out for scams, especially those involving money. Be extremely careful about who you are donating money to. Unfortunately there are those few pilau among us who would try to take advantage of this kind of tragedy.
Relief activities and announcements:
Pier One Relief Drop Off (P&R Water Taxi): August 10, 2023
Ka'ohao's appeal for supplies donation, August 10, 2023
Grassroots at its best . . . The team at "Mulan" donate $10,000 to Maui Relief
The team at "Mulan", a superyacht based out of Kewalo Basin harbor, have donated $10,000 to Maui disaster relief, and Mulan's captain, captain Trevor Hinkey, together with friends and family, have donated an additional $1500. Captain Hinkey has also been extremely active as a volunteer providing services since the news of the disaster first surfaced. Hinkey's family home was completely destroyed in a wildfire that tore through his childhood community in Colorado.
Here's what we know so far:
The Hawaii Yacht will be sponsoring a BBQ for those wanting to pitch in and contribute/volunteer to/for the Maui relief effort. That will take place on Sunday, August 13, 2023, 12pm - 4pm, at the Hawaii Yacht Club. Give some thought to the kind of donations that you will bring.
There is also a GoFundMe drive to raise money for victims. Please check with organizer/s before donating to learn more about exactly how they will utilize these funds. GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lahaina-aid-fund-by-hyc?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
We are waiting for a response from the organizer, Zane Aguon, regarding details about this GoFundMe effort, and update with his response right here as soon as we hear back.
The Hawaii Community Foundation is soliciting donations (hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong):
The Salvation Army - Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, has already been on the ground helping in Maui. Please help them with donations at: https://hawaii.salvationarmy.org/
Maui Rapid Response effort has a huge presence on Instagram. Please have a look at their site to see how you can help out: https://www.instagram.com/mauirapidresponse/
Maui Fire Relief Fund by Aloha United Way: https://www.auw.org/
Maui Food Bank: "Maui, we stand with you during this emergency. Our hardworking staff is on the ground, making sure those affected get the help they need." Please make a donation here: https://mauifoodbank.org/
Maui County: Maui County officials have also called for (https://www.mauicounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?aid=12656&utm) nonperishable food, bottled water, hygiene items and blanket donations. Donations can be dropped off at Mai's War Memorial Complex from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: The CNHA has partnered with Native Hawaiian and community organizations and business to match up to $1,000,000 in donations for 'ohana impacted by the devastating wildfires on Maui.
World Central Kitchen: Founded by chef Jose Andres, this nonprofit provides meals in the wake of natural disasters . . . click here to learn more and donate.
American Savings Bank: To help bring critical relief to the Maui community, ASB is partnering with the Hawaii Bankers Association to launch the Aloha for Maui campaign. Cash and check donations are being accepted at all ASB branches statewide. All donations will be given to the Maui Strong Fund.