It’s made national — and even international — news: Maui has experienced several wildfires around the island in recent days, which have resulted in one of the most significant natural disasters in the history of Hawaiʻi. Lives have been lost, and more than 1,000 structures are destroyed, including homes, businesses, schools, churches, and community centers. My own home is gone, along with the rest of my neighborhood.
Lahaina, the scenic and historic heart of west Maui, has been particularly devastated. Much of the west side has been without power and without landline or cell phone service for days, and many roads remain impassible.
Sadly, while the Lahaina fire raged, a second fire threatened the Kihei area, and a third burned over 1,100 acres in the Kula area. Shelters for displaced residents and visitors have been established at Maui High School, the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, and several churches.
Because so many people have asked how they can help, I’ve made a list of some of the organizations that are working hard to address Maui’s many needs at the moment.
Monetary Donation Options
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund
Hawaiʻi Department of Education/Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation
Other Ways to Help
The REALTORS® Association of Maui is also accepting water, non-perishable food, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, towels, bedding, and pet food. In-person donations can be made at the Maui Food Bank as well, and volunteers are welcome! And the Maui Humane Society is desperate for dog and cat foster parents; no experience is necessary, and they provide all the needed supplies.
Mahalo nui loa for any support you can offer to our Maui ʻohana in this time of great need.
#LahainaStrong
Pamela Reader, REALTOR® Broker
david whitworth
August 14, 2023
I have a time share in Kihei I can see if they have availability studio or 1,2,3 bedrooms but it would only be short term maybe a week if it helps. You’ll have to let me know so I can check and would have to put it in someone’s name (guest) you can call me if it helps 925-234-5171 ❤️🤙🙏
Mary deatherage
August 17, 2023
I’ve been watching with horror – along with everyone else. I’ve made contributions to Greater Good. If I lived on the island – I’d open my home to families and pets. Since I can’t do that – I’m sending prayers for peace and strength and healing.
Dan
August 17, 2023
Pamela, i’m white-collar/blue-collar uncommitted guy in Iowa willing to come volunteer for 3-6months, but it’s got to be paid. I have an independent painting/landscaping/contracting business here but i can’t make it happen without working and paying bills. If you know of an organization or anyone looking for paid help (no w2 stuff, strictly check/subsidy/trade/i9/grant etc) and a dormer, loft, room or carriage house to put me up in i can book a flight into whatever airport you suggest from chicago or the west-coast and come help for 3-6months, maybe longer if there’s still strong need and availability. Never been there, i know now’s maybe not the best time, but if the island or lahaina need help, i’m here and willing. We’re hearing alot back stateside about the ‘no-rain’ hurricane, your police blocking access and charity, and the governor making some covetous statements about the land around old-town lahaina. Sorry for the horrible loss, i sure hope it wasn’t arson or the government or billionaires that did this. I’m willing to put in 60hrs a week for many months to help. Please email if you find someone/body/org with needs. I’m decent with rehab, demo, nursing, logistics, accounting, law, education, heavy-equipment, administration, grant-writing, lobbying, politics, communications, it-tech, real-estate, banking and finance, and of course painting, remodeling etc. (BA History ’92). I figure a realtor that knows the community better than anyone should know the needs best.
Tracy S Stice
August 17, 2023
Pam, we have a place for 3 people for 2 months free, in Haiku if you know anybody that still needs a place. No pets, please. Thanks for posting.