Peace and Calm. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1425
Aloha kākou,
I share this ʻōlelo noʻeau as a prayer and manaʻolana for each of our ʻohana connected to the grief, devastation, response, and recovery for Maui.
Hauola is a legendary healing stone just off the shore of Lāhainā that can be seen at low tide. It was a place Hawaiians would visit for healing, peace, and comfort.
If you have felt like I have - speechless, heartbroken, grasping for the right words to say and even pray - I share with you the words of our kūpuna, spoken over Lāhainā. Ka Laʻi o Hauola. Peace and calm for Lāhainā.
Vibrant Hawaiʻi friends from around the world and across Hawaiʻi Island have reached out to show aloha, asking for practical ways to put their aloha into action.
If you’re wondering how you can help, here are some valuable resources and ways you can make a positive impact:
Donate Money Instead of Supplies: Maui County officials have communicated that immediate needs for supplies are already met and the surge of excess donations can overwhelm systems. Consider donating money instead, as it allows organizations to allocate resources where they are most needed.
Financial Donations: Consider donating to the following funds that are specifically focused on aiding Maui during this challenging time:
Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong fund: Focusing on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs. More details.
Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County. More details.
Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced people and animals, and caring for injured animals. Emergency fosters also sought. More details.
Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits. More details.
The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division: Providing food and resources for evacuees. More details.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching up to $1 million in donations for Maui fire victims as of Thursday afternoon. More details.
World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations. More details.
River of Life Mission: Providing coffee and stuffed animals to shelters. More details.
Beware of Fraud: It’s crucial to stay vigilant against potential exploitation. Unfortunately, some may take advantage of the situation. Be cautious of fraudulent activities. Refer to FEMA's Disaster Fraud information.
Avoid Self Deployment to Maui: Space on the island is limited and roads are congested. For questions about making large-scale donations of goods or services, reach out to the following to coordinate:
HIEMA
808-733-4300
RED CROSS
Offer Housing Assistance
Residents can provide a space for displaced Maui residents to stay and realtors will help people. Email: jennifer@hikinorealty.com
Resources to Support Mental Health
Disaster distress helpline: Provides 24/7 crisis counseling. If you know someone who needs support, call or text 1-800-985-5990
School Safety and Crisis information: Offers resources for dealing with crisis situations, including information on school safety - especially valuable for families with children.
Child Trauma Resources: Provides resources specifically tailored to helping children cope with trauma caused by disasters.
TeenLink hawaiʻi: Teenagers and Young Adults can find mental health support and services.
Information and Updates
Maui County Website: For the latest updates and info directly from Maui County. Stay informed about the ongoing situation and recovery efforts.
Reunification Assistance: The Red Cross offers a helpline for individuals seeking reunification assistance. If you’re looking for information about loved ones, please call 1 (800) 733-2767
Stay Informed: For updates on individuals accounted for and unaccounted for, visit this list that is updated throughout the day.
I laʻi mau o Hauola,
Janice Ikeda
Executive Director
Vibrant Hawaiʻi