HILO, Hawaii — According to a Hawaii County news release, Mayor Mitch Roth understands Hawaii Island residents wish to assist the people of Maui who have lost everything due to the wildfires. However, the huge influx of donated items is proving to be a challenge to Maui County.

Hawaii Island officials held its first meeting of the Hawaii County Task Force for Maui County Recovery Assistance on Aug. 10 together with leaders from Maui County, nonprofit organizations and local communities. Out of that meeting, Mayor Roth came up with preliminary guidance that will address immediate, as well as long-term needs of Maui residents.

“We understand that everyone wants to help Maui right now. It is what makes Hawaii such an amazing and special place. However, it is important to remember that Maui’s recovery will be a marathon and not a sprint,” said Mayor Roth in the release.

“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,” said Roth.

In the release, the mayor addressed five different ways the community can help:

In-depth discussions with officials, nonprofit leaders and community members on Maui have determined that the most effective contribution people can make is through monetary donations to established community-focused organizations with a strong track record of efficiently distributing funds where they make the most difference. These organizations include:  

• Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund
• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Kakoo Maui Fund
• Maui United Way’s Maui Fire Disaster Fun

Hawaii County acknowledges the “local way” of wanting to donate whatever families have. However, there is no clear way to ensure items reach those in need. Roth advises residents to refrain from sending physical donations until a reliable distribution system is set up.

The West Hawaii Realtors Association has curated a list of statewide housing options available in real-time that includes second homes, vacation rentals, ohana units or additional space available to displaced Maui residents. Those interested can visit the Maui Kokua website to find a place or add one to the list.

Many in the community — architects, engineers, home builders to solar companies, truckers, shippers, pilots, and mental health specialists — have reached out offering diverse range of skills to aid in the recovery of Lahaina and the wider Maui community. As the recovery process is still in its early stages, Mayor Roth and the county have said they’ve acknowledged everyone and will engage them as Maui County formulates its next steps.

“While the desire to lend a hand is strong, it is crucial to remember that Maui's resources are currently stretched thin,” stated the release. “Each individual sent over requires resources like food, fuel and shelter that could otherwise support displaced residents. This isn't to say that our assistance isn't appreciated; it’s just that we need to ensure that our footprint is minimal while our impact is meaningful.”

The release goes on to say that Maui will communicate when it’s prepared to accept outside assistance, but for those who have family members on Maui requesting help, “please heed their call.” The intention of the guidance provided isn’t meant to deny assistance, the goal is to limit unintended adverse effects said the release.

Per Hawaii County, the guidance will be continually updated as collaboration continues between the Hawaii County task force and Maui leadership.