Resources have been made available by Mayor Mitch Roth for residents of Hawai'i Island who wish to contribute to the ongoing recovery endeavors in Maui. Roth provided initial instructions influenced by input from local officials present at the Aug. 10 Task Force meeting and collaborative discussions with leaders from Maui County, non-profits and local communities, according to an Aug. 15 news release.
“We understand that everyone wants to help Maui right now,” Roth said in the release. “It is what makes Hawaiʻi such an amazing and special place. However, it is important to remember that Maui’s recovery will be a marathon and not a sprint. There are definitely needs that need to be addressed, but it cannot happen all at once. We need to be coordinated and thoughtful to minimize our footprint and maximize our impacts. This guidance aims to achieve these objectives in the short term and set the stage for long-term success."
Based on the mayor's recommendations, the guidance emphasizes the need for careful and considerate management of existing capacity challenges, the release reported.
The first recommendation for assisting Maui is to contribute to high-impact organizations, such as Hawai'i Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund, CNHA's Kākoʻo Maui Fund and Maui United Way's Maui Fire Disaster Fund, the release said. Following extensive discussions with Maui officials, non-profit leaders and community members, it was determined monetary donations to these community-focused organizations would be the most effective immediate contribution.
Roth has advised community members to hold off on donating physical goods until a proper distribution system has been established. However, another way to help assist is to provide shelter for those who have been displaced by the fires, according to the release.
In partnership with other real estate associations, the West Hawai'i Realtors Association compiled a comprehensive housing inventory catalog spanning across the entire state, including Hawai'i Island, the release reported. Those interested in or willing to offer up a second home, vacation rental or additional space for the displaced, should visit mauikokua.com.
Amid the recovery efforts for Lāhainā and the broader Maui community, various community members have offered a diverse range of skills, from architects and engineers to mental health specialists and more, to assist in the process. Although Maui's resources are currently strained, the willingness to help is appreciated, and everyone's talents will be utilized as Maui progresses forward, the release said.
It's emphasized that patience is crucial, as outside assistance will be welcomed when resources are more available. The guidance stresses that while waiting, displaced family members' requests for aid should be honored, according to the release.
The county expresses gratitude for the community's support and cooperation during this ongoing recovery period, with continued updates and collaboration between Hawaiʻi County, Maui's leadership and residents to ensure effective communication and successful outcomes, the release said.