Donations are being raised and fundraising events are being held on a grassroots level to assist Maui families who have lost everything in the wildfire that blazed through Lahaina and other parts of Maui. Island companies are also pitching in and ask their customers to help wherever possible.
Crazy Shirts is one of the companies mounting an effort by making a $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross of Hawaii, in addition to sending 4,000 pieces of clothing to help those in need, according to a news release.
The company has also created a limited-edition “Maui Forever Strong” design in support of Maui disaster relief efforts, donating 20% of net sales of the shirt to the American Red Cross. According to the website, additional production of the t-shirt has been paused due to community support. However, the company said once existing orders have been filled, they will reevaluate its launch.
Additional funds will be focused on providing direct assistance to its employees who were affected by the fires.
“Crazy Shirts has proudly been part of the Maui community for over 50 years, and we wanted to show our love for the island, as well as support relief efforts from devastating wildfires as early as possible,” said Crazy Shirts President Scott Maroney in the release. “We are grateful that our Maui ohana is safe, yet we are deeply aware that substantial help is needed for those facing profound losses.”
Crazy Shirts stores on Front Street and Lahaina Wharf were lost, while damage to the Lahaina Cannery Mall location is still unknown.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach (2490 Kalakaua Ave.) and The Twin Fin (2570 Kalakaua Ave.) are accepting donations from the public 24 hours a day through Monday, Aug. 14. Closing times are 5 p.m. at Alohilani and 9 a.m. at The Twin Fin on Monday.
High priority items are shirts; bottoms; new underwear; slippers; deodorant; toiletries; as well as general clothes for men, women
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum is donating proceeds from its Moonlight Mele concert held on Friday to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Kakoo Maui, as well as the American Red Cross Hawaii.
Bishop Museum will also be accepting donations on behalf of Kakoo Maui at its Shop Pacifica at the museum entrance, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 11. Click here for a most-needed supply list.
Island Energy Services, which owns Texaco gas stations statewide, will match customer gifts up to $50,000 donated at its locations to Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund. Customers can help Maui residents in two ways:
Make a donation in the gas station convenience store as donations at the pump are currently not available. Donations can be made by selecting the amount on the keypad.
Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar. Island Energy Services will match donations, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
All funds raised through this effort will go toward Maui relief efforts.
“Our thoughts are with our employees and their families, our business partners, and the Maui community where lives have been impacted and families have suffered tremendous loss. Island Energy Services’ top priority is to protect its employees, their families, and communities when facing an emergency. This will be an extended recovery effort and we are committed to helping the communities through these very difficult times,” said Jon Mauer, president and CEO of Island Energy Services in a release.
Dole Food Company, with roots in Hawaii since 1851, and its Oahu-based subsidiary, Dole Fruit Hawaii, are donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross Hawaii and $50,000 to the Maui Food Bank. They are encouraging other companies with a presence in Hawaii to participate in relief efforts.
Hawaii-born and raised entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Case announced a $1 million contribution to support communities affected by the wildfires on Maui. The donation is being made by the Grove Farm Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Case’s Kauai-based Grove Farm, according to a news release. Case established the foundation to support Kauai after he acquired the company 20 years ago.
In addition, Maui Land & Pineapple, where Case is the majority investor, has announced a long-term commitment to assist in Maui’s rebuilding efforts.
“The destruction and loss on Maui is devastating to watch, and the impact on communities such as Lahaina is tragic,” said Case in the release. “This iconic, historic town represents the best of the culture, natural beauty and warm aloha spirit that has come to define Hawaii. My heart and prayers go out to all of those impacted across Maui by these horrific events.”
According to the release, Maui Land & Pineapple is working with hotel partners and Maui County to turn its Kapalua resort into a distribution center to get water, food and clothes to affected families. The company has also taken steps to ensure water continues to flow into the area.
“The people of Maui have lost lives, homes, history, power and connectivity, but they haven’t lost hope,” said MLP CEO Race Randle, who was raised on Maui. “The devastation on the ground is immense, and we are doing everything we can to help. Once we get through this phase, we will step up in new ways to support the rebuilding effort.”
The $1 million donation is going to Hawaii Community Foundation, which has launched a Maui Strong effort to mobilize support for the relief and rebuilding efforts; World Central Kitchen, which is already on the ground providing food to front line workers and people who have lost their homes; and the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, both of which are working to provide shelter, food and emotional support to residents.
Maui Ocean Center, partnering with Maui United Way, is one of Maui’s donation drop-off locations, accepting donations 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. They are collecting water, canned goods, dry packaged foods, clean clothing, blankets, towels, toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), diapers, formula, and feminine hygiene products. The public can drop off items at front gate or the administration office next to the Sphere Theater.
With a 40-year history on the island, Maui Gold Pineapple announced its Pineapple Pledge, an initiative focused on safety, food and job preservation, to support Maui families impacted by the fires.
According to a news release, the company is ensuring the safety of its employees and their families, evacuating them off the island as needed. Maui Pineapple Tour hosts are now cutting, packaging and hand delivering pineapple by boat to feed displaced families; and employees at the Maui Gold Pineapple farm are harvesting, packing and distributing pineapples.
“We wouldn’t be Maui Gold Pineapple without our beloved Maui ohana,” said Todd Domeck, owner of Hawaii Farm Project, the management company for Maui Gold Pineapple, in the release. “Helping our community is at the core of everything we do. We are devastated at the loss of our Front Street store and offices in Lahaina, as well as the destruction at multiple farms. The pineapple farm is what we have left, so we’re giving what we have in order to support our community.”
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.