A Maui relief fund launched last Wednesday has since been met with a warm show of support.
After just one week, donations are nearing 2 million dollars
Donors to the Kako‘O Maui Match Donation Fund included several organizations from the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association that collectively contributed over $200,000, the Star-Advertiser reported.
Launched by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Alaka‘Ina Foundation Family of Companies and Kako‘O HaleAkala, the fund later increased its goal to match $100,000 in donations to $1.5 million.
The Maui wildfires are now about 85% contained, according to NBC News. The fires igniting last Tuesday quickly spread through Maui to Big Island, destroying buildings and structures as well as leaving thousands unhoused.
Public support and relief funds have been encouraging, but dozens describe their angst seeing their homes torn apart in the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history.
“Many of our family members and friends have been impacted by these horrific wildfires on Maui with the loss of loved ones, their homes, and businesses,” The Hawai‘i Pacific Foundation Chairman Adrian Nakea Silva said in a written statement quoted by the Star-Advertiser.
Hawai’i Gov Josh Green (D-HI) shared these tips to those who wish to help the victims.
Donations of food, clothing, and other physical items overwhelm the system and cannot quickly be taken to those who needed most.
“Canned goods, blankets, clothing and similar donations all need to be handled, stored, and then delivered where they are needed,” said James Barros, administrator of the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. That adds costs to the relief efforts.
Cash donations to legitimate charities can buy goods to support the local economy and can be delivered where they re needed.
In addition to the Kako‘O Maui Match Donation Fund, the governor recommends these two other charities:
Hawai‘i Community Foundation – Maui Strong Fund, www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.
Maui United Way – Maui Fire Disaster Relief, https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
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It is wonderful that we are gathering dollars for Maui. That money will go mainly to food and temporary housing, which is very important.
Unfortunately, it will cost at least $5 billion to rebuild new buildings, but even if that is done the next 10-20 years, there will never be close to the original location.