Renata Birkenbuel
ICT
The impact of the fast-moving, destructive wildfires on Maui has expanded to neighboring islands as Native Hawaiian organizations have begun raising funds to help support families that lost homes and businesses in and around Lahaina.
Closer to Lahaina, for those who have lost their homes in the unexpectedly ferocious, wind-fueled wildfires, Maui Disaster Response and Recovery Support offers a Google document to fill out for help. Anyone offering to help may fill out the form, also.
On Tuesday night, an unprecedented, relentless wildfire in the foothills of West Maui caught the 12,000 Lahaina residents off-guard, forcing many to flee as the fire ravaged homes, businesses and streets into unrecognizable swaths of destruction.
At last count, officials report that 36 people have died and an unknown number are missing. Lahaina, a coastal resort town, included several tourist shops and businesses that lined Front Street, now in utter ruins. Historical homes, structures and the famed 150-year-old Banyan Tree on Front Street were destroyed.
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Airlines flew at least 11,000 tourists out of the islands as evacuations continued. Officials expect another 1,500 to evacuate Thursday, State Transportation Director Ed Sniffen told the Associated Press. Of the three active fires on Maui, the Lahaina fire is reported 80 percent contained. The Maui News reported that the Pulehu/Kihei fire is 70 percent contained. The status of the Kula fire remains unknown.
Officials have blamed the wildfires on 60-mph Hurricane Dora winds and climate change.
Kamuela Kawaakoa and Iiulia Yasso told the AP they narrowly escaped with their six-year-old son.
“We barely made it out in time,” said Kawaakoa.
Returning from the supermarket to buy water, the family had time only to grab a change of clothes and run as the bushes around them caught fire. As the family fled, they called 911 when they saw the Hale Mahaolu senior living facility across the road erupt in flames.
They went to an evacuation shelter, but did not know if their apartment was still standing.
A collaboration of response units, nonprofits and aid organizations have developed a communique for residents caught in the unprecedented crisis on Maui. The online resource comprises Maui Rapid Response, Maui-Mutual-Aid, Maui-strong and a number of nonprofit and direct-aid organizations coming together to offer services to those afflicted by the fires, the communique states.
“For those of you who have lost your homes and businesses and loved ones — we are here for you,” the form states, “and please know that you are not alone.”
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, based in Kapolei, Oahu, had raised $415,314 as of Thursday evening to help Maui organizations in the relief effort after 271 buildings in Lahaina and at least one private school suffered damage. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to Maui organizations supporting relief efforts, according to the council.
“Our hearts ache for Maui as we face the impacts of this devastating fire,” the council posted on its Facebook page. “Now is the time to come together as a lāhui to offer our support in every way possible to bring comfort and assistance for our ʻohana on Maui.”
The council, partnering with Kākoʻo Haleakalā and the Alakaʻina Foundation Family of Companies, will match donations up to $250,000 for every dollar donated. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is a member-based non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the cultural, economic, political and community development of Native Hawaiians.
“Your generosity will not only help them rebuild but also show the strength of our unity and aloha spirit,” reads the Native Hawaiian council’s post.
The philanthropic Hawaii Community Foundation in Honolulu created the Maui Strong Fund to support communities affected by the wildfires.
Rapid response Maui Strong Fund resources can be deployed quickly while focusing on recovery for residents dealing with the ongoing wildfires. Funding will support evolving needs, including shelter, food and financial assistance.
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A self-described resource, funder, partner and advocate for Hawai’i clients, the community foundation and its donors have committed to “provide community resilience with resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.”
Furthermore, the foundation reports on its website that it is working with state and county leaders, nonprofits, businesses and philanthropists to determine the “quickly evolving priorities” in its community.
Concerns whirl around schools, too, as the Hawaii News Now channel reported that King Kamehameha III Elementary School, located on Front Street in Lahaina, suffered “extensive fire and structural damage.” Front Street businesses burned, affecting business owners who rely on the popular tourist industry.
All Maui public schools – except for Hana High School and Hana Elementary School – are reportedly closed to students and staff at least until Friday, according to the state Department of Education. Also closed are the Doe Maui District Office and Puunene School offices.
As authorities evacuate thousands of tourists from Maui to Oahu, the American Red Cross is in the midst of deploying disaster teams from the other islands and elsewhere.
The American Red Cross reminds everyone to listen to the advice of local authorities and evacuate immediately if asked to do so. For those already evacuated, the organization tells residents not to return home until officials say it is safe to do so.
“This is a difficult time for everyone affected and it’s important for people to connect with and support each other,” reads the update at redcross.org. If you or a loved one needs help, call the free Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TALKWITHUS to 66746.
Other Maui nonprofits that are closed during the disaster until further notice include the Maui Economic Opportunity paratransit and Human Service buses, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui Clubhouse and the 26th annual Maui Calls fundraiser – as The Maui News reported.
The Maui Community Power Recovery Fund and its partners support immediate housing and food relief for displaced families; they also offer resources for long-term rebuilding. Partners include Maui Mutual Aid, Our Hawai’i, ‘Āina Momona, Funder Hui, Kākoʻo Maui.
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