ARE NATIVE HAWAIIANS BEING HEARD?
During the night of Aug. 8, several wildfires broke out on the island of Maui. News outlets reported tens of thousands of residents and tourists evacuated the island. To date, more than 100 deaths officially have been recorded.
The fires have caused widespread destruction – most notably in Lahaina, the northwestern city of about 13,000 people, which was the Hawaiian Kingdom’s capitol from 1820 to 1845, according to the National Park Service.
This disaster has become the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. There also are wildfires on the Big Island of Hawaii; no fatalities have been reported. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates it will cost $5.5 billion to rebuild the town of Lahaina.
shades Magazine joins the country – and the global community – in standing with Hawaii to do what we do best: Tell stories and provide information … especially about those who are a part of the state’s Native and Indigenous communities.
Below, we offer ways you can help Hawaiian communities rebuild and give individuals a sense of hope, faith and financial relief to move forward. We also are providing links to ensure that Native Hawaiians, kama’aina (“people of the land”), Kānaka Maoli Indigenous and Aboriginal Hawaiians are heard in their call for the rebuilding efforts that honor their land.
Donations
The Hawaiian Islands hosted more than 880,000 visitors in June 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers. Maui has been among the top tourist destinations in the U.S., named on “Best Places” to visit lists for the beaches, parks and hospitality. With the current disaster, visitors are being asked to stay away. If you have ever been fortunate enough to have the resources to make the Islands your vacation destination, consider donating at least the equivalent of a one-night stay at a hotel or resort.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement – CNHA is a member-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is “to enhance the cultural, economic, political and community development of Native Hawaiians.”
People’s Fund of Maui – Provides direct financial assistance to Maui community members who lost their primary residence in the recent fires in Lahaina and Kula. Adults (18+) are eligible to receive $1,200 per month. Learn more about this program created and funded by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson HERE.
Hawai’i’s People’s Fund | Maui Aloha: The Peopleʻs Response – Dedicated to providing a safe and trusted conduit to move kōkua quickly in support of community organizers and organizations already engaged in this work, on the ground.
Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Actions – This volunteer organization’s mission is “to catalyze community empowerment and systemic change towards valuing people and ‘āina ahead of corporate profits.” You may also utilize it’s Maui Fires Relief Doc to donate directly to Maui ʻOhana.
Maui Humane Society – A 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 1953, this animal shelter’s mission is “to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals, accepting all in need, educating the community and inspiring respect and compassion towards all animals.”
Maui Food Bank – During this disaster period, the food bank is working overtime to ramp up its collection and distribution of food to those most in need. It is asking those wishing to help to limit phone and email requests at this time and instead, visit and donate through its website, which provides the current needs of those impacted.
Education
We should all learn more about how colonialism, whalers, the sandalwood trade, the sugar and pineapple industries, tourism and luxury resorts have affected Native peoples and the land. If you have helpful links to share, please fill out our Leave a Reply form below.
- Maui Wildfires Recovery Guide – A Disaster resources list from Congresswoman Jill Tokuda
- Democracy Now – How tourism has affected Native lands
Stories
The Hawaii Water Crisis: How the U.S. Military and Tourism Industry Exploits Hawaiian Water Sources
Lahaina residents worry a rebuilt Maui town could slip into the hands of affluent outsiders
How Colonialism Contributed to the Maui Wildfires
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