Urgent Request: Support Maui Fire Relief

Our hearts are broken as we sit with the weight of the tragic fires in Maui and Lāhainā. We’re grieving the loss of over a hundred people to the fires and over a thousand more who still remain missing. The racism, colonialism and greed that have led to the devastation of Maui is compounded by the current land grabbing and water grabbing at a time when Maui and Lāhainā are most vulnerable. Tourists continue to deplete resources despite calls from Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) for tourists to stop visiting Hawaii. 

As relief efforts continue, it’s crucial that we continue to show up, donate and share resources as widely as possible. 

If you are looking for ways to support, Alihilani Katoa, a Youth Organizer for Hawaii Peace and Justice shared these relief efforts to aid Maui families that are directly impacted and we urge you to continue forwarding their message far and wide, and to donate directly!

“We need your kōkua (help/care) and organizing skills to spread the word on how to support Maui and the kānaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiians) who hail from the days of our ancestors. Below you will find the following excel sheets:

1. Maui Fires Relief

Maui families that are directly impacted and need immediate monetary support

2. Donation Locations (frequently updated)

A list of donations sites in the continent that will be transporting supplies to Maui indefinitely

Here are some pages to follow on social media for updates:

• Hawaii Peace and Justice Linktree
• Instagram: Kākoʻo Haleakalā
• Instagram: ʻĀina Momona
• Instagram: Kanaeokana

Please share this message far and wide amongst your people and communities. It's going to be a long road to recovery, but together there is nothing we can't conquer. Love to you, your ʻohana and tribes. Me ke aloha nui.”

Read on for some more resources and information related to Maui relief efforts locally. 

In solidarity,
APANO

Resources

It’s crucial to unveil the systems at play to ensure mutual aid is not just a response to disaster capitalism but a way to imagine and build a world where our communities can thrive and call home.

• Native Hawaiian Activist Kaniela Ing on Fires, Colonialism & Banyan Tree
• The Climate Crisis and Colonialism Destroyed My Maui Home. Where We Must Go From Here‍
• Why Was There No Water to Fight the Fire in Maui?‍
• More than One-Third of Lahaina’s Population is Filipino, but the Philippine Consulate Said It’s Not Their Job to Help ‍
• FEMA denies aid to Micronesians on Maui. Here’s why‍
• Sign the petition: Micronesians and COFA citizens deserve access to FEMA 

Local Resources and Events

Our friends at Ka ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona Hawaiian Civic Club (KALO) Hawaiian Civic Club are hosting an event on September 8 at PSU to raise much-needed funds for relief efforts on Maui. Find more information and get your tickets here.