Maui Devastation: A Kahea (Call to Action)
Published on Aug.15, 2023

Words PSC members never thought they’d hear: “In the wake of the disaster, Maui looks like a war zone.”

At last reporting, there are at least 96 dead, 1,000 missing, 4,500 homeless, 2,700 structures destroyed (86% of which are residences), and damages exceeding $5.52 billion following the horrible fires on Maui. These numbers are expected to rise as recover efforts continue.

Many PSC members have asked how they can help. Our Native Hawaiian Organization–owned PSC members suggest giving your Aloha and support to any of the organizations listed below, which have the infrastructure and capability needed to provide swift impact for those affected:

• Kākoʻo Maui: Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is fiscally sponsoring Kākoʻo Haleakala, a Maui organizing group. Kākoʻo Maui (memberplanet.com)
• Maui Strong: Hawaii Community Foundation is working with the County of Maui and Maui Rapid Response (Maui Mutual Aid Network). Maui Strong - Hawaii Community Foundation

• Maui Aloha, The People’s Response: Efforts focus on the grassroots level, especially for community resources that were lost. They are partnering with Hawaii Community Foundation. Hawaii Peoples Fund - Maui Aloha: The People’s Response (networkforgood.com)
• Maui United Way Fire Disaster Relief: Providing direct relief to families, as well as other nonprofits. Maui Fire and Disaster Relief Donation Page (mauiunitedway.org)
• Maui Mutual Aid: The Mutual Rapid Response network is highly connected on the ground in Maui and Lahaina and is best positioned for rapid deployment and facilitating community members supporting each other. This is a good place to make a one-time donation ASAP if you want to help immediate efforts like food deployment while other infrastructure is being set up in real time in partnership with other organizations like Hawaii Community Foundation. Donate (paypal.com)
• Maui Humane Society: If you are an animal lover, the Maui Humane Society is also in desperate need of support. Donate here (Maui Humane Society)
• Maui Food Bank: Working to supply relief to families across Maui. Maui Food Bank — Helping the Hungry in Maui County
• World Central Kitchen: The Relief Team has mobilized to the frontlines and is partnering with organizations on the ground to cook and provide meals to people in need. Donate to World Central Kitchen (wck.org)