Maui Fire Relief
on the ground reality and opportunities to give
Hello Friends near and far,
Eliana here. On August 8th the island of Maui in the Kingdom of Hawai’i was struck by three major fires, two of them catastrophic. The city of Lahaina burned to the ground and a portion of Kula was lost as well. The fire in Lahaina has been confirmed as the deadliest wildfire in the (so called) United States in over a century. Countless homes, businesses and precious artifacts were lost. As of writing 96 people have been confirmed dead, but that number is likely to rise as there are over a thousand people still missing. The damages to the land are innumerable.
Beloved members of my family are from Maui and were home when the fires broke out. Luckily the Pulehu/Kihei Maui fire stopped two miles from their home and they did not have to evacuate. However, many of their friends were not so lucky. I’d like to share directly what has been shared with me from my family on the ground (received Saturday, Aug 12, so some numbers may have changed) :
“On August 8th there were 3 brush fires that broke out: Lahaina, Upcountry (Kula), and Pulehu/Kihei with the brush fire in Lahaina turning into a wildfire.
In the Lahaina fire, lives were lost and an entire town burned to the ground. In Kula, I’ve heard that homes have been lost, but no fatalities. In the Pulehu/Kihei fires, no lives or homes were lost.
Additionally, I’ve heard very, very little about the Kula fire. No pictures. No videos. Not really many updates. All the focus has been on Lahaina from what I’ve seen.
The latest update on how much the fires are contained was from yesterday [Friday, August 11] at 3pm:
The Lahaina fire is 85% contained
The Pulehu/Kihei fire is 80% contained
The Upcountry fire is 50% contained
I’m not sure how much these percentages have changed since then. But there are still hot spots in Lahaina and things are still smoldering in these fires.
As of this morning there are still over 1400 people missing from the Lahaina fires (locals and tourists alike), and they’re still recovering bodies from the wreckage. Power is still out on the entire west side of the island and there are people stranded on that side (people whose homes didn’t burn down). I’ve heard that it may take months before power is fully restored.
There’s been a huge rally of support from Maui locals and residents slowly being let in to bring in donations by the truck fulls. And people from the islands and the mainland have been donating money to organizations, go fund me’s, and personal Venmo accounts of those affected by the fires. And people have also been sending Venmo’s to those that they know who are doing supply runs and bringing the supplies to the west side.
With that, there’s still crazy shit happening…like people looting on the west side by gun point last night. And the traffic to get into Lahaina to make supply runs for people who live past Lahaina into Napili and Kaanapali, the traffic is slow moving and sometimes gets shut down due to looting or other reasons.
That’s as much as I know for now.”
-Natasha Kealoha, 8/12/23
Here are the FEMA reports assessing the damages of the Lahaina and Kula fires shared by the county of Maui:
The harsh realities of these numbers and what they mean for residents are heartbreaking. Please note that the majority of all structures burned/exposed to fire were residential homes.
However, in true CDD fashion we are not just here to focus on the devastation. We want to uplift campaigns supporting those who have been affected and the Maui community at large.
GIVE DIRECTLY TO THOSE IN NEED
One of the most important mutual aid resources created in the aftermath of these catastrophes is THIS SPREADSHEET created by a handful of locals1 that lists over 600 active gofundmes/direct giving opportunities to support those who have lost their homes, loved ones, livelihoods and community. This is a live document that is being continuously updated. The spreadsheet also includes sections listing trusted community funds, donation drop off locations and small businesses who have committed to helping the Maui community.
If this spreadsheet seems overwhelming please see the bottom of this newsletter for giving opportunities to Kealoha family friends, those we know directly who have lost everything.
#FEEDTHEPEOPLEMAUI
Chef Hui is partnering with World Central Kitchen and Common Ground Collective to rally our Chef Hui ambassadors, local cooks and food service providers from across Hawaii to come together to serve our community on Maui. Chef Hui is establishing food hubs on Maui by sourcing ingredients to create restaurant quality meals that sustain our lāhui during this time of need.
Chef Hui and team are feeding 7,000-8,000 people a day as part of their Maui Food Hub campaign. DONATE TO CHEF HUI’S WORK HERE.
MAUI STRONG FUND
The Hawai’i Community Foundation has created the Maui Strong Fund (one of the organizations also listed in the spreadsheet). From their website:
The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery for the devastating wildfires on Maui.
HCF will not be collecting a fee for donations to the Maui Strong Fund; 100 percent of the funds will be distributed for community needs.
…Funding will support evolving needs, including shelter, food, financial assistance, and other services as identified by our partners doing critical work on Maui. As of August 11, 2023, $17,091,490 has been raised.
FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE ANIMALS, TOO
An often overlooked concern in disaster response is how to help animals and those who love them. We would like to highlight the work of the Maui Humane Society as they are providing free pet supplies and emergency kits throughout the county.
Finally, I would also like to personally take the time to highlight several funds created to support family friends:
THE HAYASE FAMILY
Among the tragedy that struck Lahaina, Uncle Craig and Aunty Pat’s home was taken leaving them homeless. In addition, their son, Jason, his family and daughter Kelsie, and her family lost their homes as well. They are safe and all family is accounted for and still in Kahana with limited service. Please help in any way you can by donating to help them rebuild. Anything helps.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE HAYASE FAMILY HERE
THE TIHADA FAMILY
Aunty Irene lived in Wahikuli for decades and her home was built in the 1970’s - she raised her sons and grandchildren in her home and created so many beautiful memories. Keliʻi Tihada, his wife Malia and their 4 children lived in the cottage behind Aunty Irene. Joey Tihada, his wife Sheri and their 3 sons also lived in Wahikuli in their own home for many many years. And Kayla Tihada (Nori’s daughter), her 2 children and her Grandma lived across the Lahaina aquatic center near shark pit in a multi generational home which was built decades ago.
Catastrophic and uncontrollable wildfires ran rampant through each of their Lahaina homes destroying everything they had and leaving them with nothing. Even though our whole ʻohana is so sad for them, we are so very thankful that we still have them here with us today and they are all safe and alive.
As many of you know, the Tihada ʻOhana and their extended ʻohana have been such a blessing to the Lahaina community for many many years. Aside from coaching Napili Canoe Club and the Lahainaluna football team for decades, they’ve always been genuinely involved in taking care of the community, giving back and putting others before themselves. They’ve never ever hesitated to lend a helping hand to their ʻohana, friends and people of the Lahaina community. This is the least we could do for them.
We know it will take years for them to build everything back to the way it used to be, but we are hoping that any donations will bring some kind of relief for all of them. Any contribution/donations will be greatly appreciated and ALL FUNDS will be directly given to my cousin Nori Tihada to be distributed amongst the ʻohana to start a new journey in building back their lives. Please continue to send all your love and prayers to the Tihada ʻOhana and their extended family. We appreciate each and everyone of you.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE TIHADA FAMILY HERE
THE JACOME FAMILY
My brother and family friends have lost everything in the Maui fires. They spent years working "hands on" to build their home and property into an amazing place for raising kids and bringing ohana together. They had finally done it and been able to enjoy it with loved ones for only a few years before it was all wiped out just days ago. While that was an unimaginable loss all that matters to them is getting back on their feet for the girls. I'm grateful for anything you can give to help them help each other do just that.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE JACOME FAMILY HERE
THE GREEN FAMILY
Hi, we are Laurel and Bill, and we are fundraising for our daughter & son-in-law, Jillian and Joel Green, and their baby, who is due any day. Jillian is 41 and this pregnancy is a dream that has been a long time coming. They were so ready with everything perfect for the baby's arrival. Yesterday in the torrential Maui fire their home and belongings burned to ashes. They are pregnant and homeless. They didn't have much time and could only gather a few things. Their rental insurance recently canceled them for being too close to the ocean and they hadn't yet found a company that would insure them. For now, they are staying in a temporary shelter provided by friends until the baby arrives. Joel's newly started business burned, and his tools are gone. His parents home burned to the ground, and they have an autistic adult child to care for. His mother's place of work is also gone along with their whole neighborhood and all of Lahaina town. Our family is hurting beyond words.
Any amount of money you could contribute would be very helpful and we would all be immensely grateful for your generosity in helping them rebuild their life. We also ask for your prayers for the safe and healthy delivery of this precious new one joining the world in the midst of all of this. We will keep you posted.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE GREEN FAMILY HERE
LAHAINA FRONT STREET BUSINESS SEEKS TO SUPPORT EMPLOYEES
On August 8th, hurricane-strength winds helped fuel a deadly fire that burned down almost the entirety of Lahaina town. Many homes, businesses and lives were lost. Our store on Front Street as well as our warehouse with all of our inventory burned down to the ground. A few of our employees lost not only their place of work but also their homes with all of their belongings. The money raised by this campaign will be donated directly to our employees in need to purchase basic necessities and to help them get back on their feet after this catastrophic event.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE PAKALOHA EMPLOYEE FAMILY HERE
Thank you for taking the time to read and give what you can to those in need. Our hearts are in Maui and we will continue to share updates and giving opportunities as we receive them.
Love,
Eliana and Resham
It is important to note that it is locals and residents who have been leading the efforts in distributing supplies and donations to those most affected, not the government.