Thanks to Our Donors, Maui United Way’s Fire Response Is Making a Difference for Impacted Families
When devastating wildfires displaced Maui residents from their homes and disrupted their lives, Maui United Way immediately mobilized into 24/7 disaster response. Drawing on over 75 years of service to the Maui community, our team worked tirelessly to address urgent needs.
Through our trusted network of local nonprofits and the overwhelming generosity of local kamaʻāina and supporters worldwide, the Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund has enabled us to deliver critical, fast-tracked assistance to those impacted by the August 2023 fires. To date, we have allocated over $12.5 million to support fire-affected individuals and organizations across Maui County.
Your generosity has been the driving force behind this work, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your compassion and trust. Your support has made a profound difference, and we invite you to continue partnering with us as we focus on long-term recovery.
In close collaboration with state and county leaders, nonprofit partners, and community members, Maui United Way is identifying and addressing unmet needs. With equity at the core of our mission, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources to rebuild their lives.
Our areas of focus moving forward include:
- ʻOhana Wellness and Resiliency: Prioritizing mental health and overall well-being for families and individuals.
- Education and Workforce Development: Supporting educational resources and workforce opportunities to empower our community.
- Stable Housing: Helping families secure safe, long-term housing solutions.
Together, we can continue to heal, rebuild, and strengthen our community. Mahalo for being part of this journey.
Maui United Way is proud to announce the recipients of its Mā‘ona Food Security Grant, a new initiative aimed at addressing critical food security challenges in Maui County.
Following the devastating wildfires, Maui United Way reports the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting local organizations that provide access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food for individuals and families—with a special focus on vulnerable populations such as kūpuna (elders) and keiki (children).
A panel of community members, including food security experts and representatives of Maui’s diverse populations, carefully evaluated each proposal. Maui United Way prioritized projects with strong community ties, culturally grounded solutions, and innovative strategies to combat food insecurity.
The selected grantees collectively serve a broad range of populations, including kūpuna, keiki, displaced families, and individuals facing barriers to accessing fresh, nutritious food. Funded initiatives include community farming programs, mobile grocery delivery services, and culturally significant food programs aimed at improving health and preserving traditions.
“At Our Kūpuna, we believe food is more than sustenance—it nourishes the body, mind, and spirit,” said Shannon I‘i, Maui Program Coordinator. “Thanks to the Mā‘ona Food Security Grant, we can expand our grocery delivery program to ensure kūpuna impacted by the fires have access to nutrient-dense foods, delivered with aloha. This support will go a long way in keeping our kūpuna fed and cared for.”
“The Mā‘ona Food Security Grant is a cornerstone of Maui United Way’s long-term commitment to helping our community recover and thrive,” said Makana Rosete, Director of Communications, Events, and Advocacy. “Food security is foundational to resilience, and our grantees are stepping up in meaningful, impactful ways to ensure no one in our community is left behind.”
Total Funds Awarded: $1,150,000. Awardees:
Common Ground Collective's Foster Farm Program has been operating since 2019 but this is the first year we will be scaling up to include installations and maintenance services. Our program currently supports and will continue to support organizations that provide food to all demographics of food insecure individuals including wild fire survivors and fire-impacted residents.These services will help to increase the supply of local produce in our local food system to feed residents.
Fresh Help Maui's mission is to combat food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to vulnerable communities, supporting local fishermen by creating sustainable circular economic opportunities, and educating the community on the importance of sustainable fishing practices. They are dedicated to fostering a resilient and self-sufficient food system that honors Maui's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.The grant will be utilized to directly support wildfire survivors and those impacted by recent wildfires in Maui, with a focus on addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations by supplying them fresh fish from local fisherman.
Hale Kipa is piloting an innovation solution to food security by developing a freight farm to produce local, fresh produce for Lahaina wildfire survivors. This freight farm utilizes up-cycled shipping containers as a climate-controlled growing facility. It is hydroponic and therefore can produce a large amount of produce in a compact area. This project will provide local youth with work opportunities and workforce development in the green industry. Food boxes will be packed and delivered to Lahaina families that are in need of fresh produce.
The program aims to deliver needed, supplemental groceries to kupuna every 2-4 weeks. 100% of those served will be kupuna, 16% indirectly impacted and 84% directly impacted by the wildfires of 2023. We anticipate 20% of those served will be living with a disability.
ourkupuna.com
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies will expand their current Mana'ai program to include Maui County. They will deliver healthy, nutritious, and local produce to vulnerable families with a particular focus on pregnant and postpartum individuals and kupuna. At least 50% of the families they serve have been directly impacted by the Maui wildfires and the other 50% of the families have been indirectly impacted. Families they serve will also be provided with wrap-around clinical and social services related to their other programming.
The goal of this program is to provide hot meals and/or fresh produce to those who cannot find food, cannot afford to buy food, or who do not want to leave their homes within the burn zone or our residing in hotels. The Community Food Program began about 2 weeks after the fire in August of 2023. They provide hot meals, 3 times a week and additional produce boxes.
Ka Hale Pomaikai provides fresh produce/groceries and meals to residents of Molokai. Molokai was indirectly impacted by the Maui wildfires because resources and funding were rerouted to serve the Maui population. This program serves entire families, 100% of recipients have been impacted by the fire.
The grant will be used to provide continued, essential food supplies to wildfire survivors, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as unsheltered individuals, 'ohana, single parents and kupuna. A key component of this initiative is the foraging and Mahi'ai program run by houseless individuals, which will simultaneously promote food security and reintegration into the community.
Since the wildfires, Na Hoaloha has seen dynamic swings in meal requests, food safety, and security, as well as shopping online with a volunteer fulfillment program. Na Hoaloha expanded the transportation program to include grocery pick-ups, food bank box delivery, medication retrieval and their 'Shop and Drop' format to bridge services to at-home, older adults. Their programs focus on low-income seniors, those living with disabilities, and older adults affected by the 2023 wildfires.
Since the fires, many people have moved back to the Hana Area. There’s been a significant increase of need in food Hana's food bank. They don’t have the resources to serve everybody and nor do they have the transportation to deliver the food to kupuna in the community. Ohana Makamae will purchase a delivery vehicle and expand their food delivery program from twice a month to three times a week. They will offer food preparation classes, free breakfast and after school meal program for keiki and kupuna, and other Hana residents.
ohanamakamae.org
Their program focuses on the unique nutritional needs of pregnancy and postpartum. Mothers and keiki are a primary focus of their programing; however in intergenerational households, they often serve kupuna and disabled individuals as well. Currently, nearly 80% of program participants are from low-income households. They will continue to run their Farm-to-Mother program, launched in July 2024 to address ongoing food security needs, by distributing fresh food boxes to 200+ families a month, 50% of whom are pregnant or have young children.
Pacific Cancer Foundation will distribute 400 food gift cards ($100 each) to cancer patients and their caregivers. Last year, 50% of the 389 patients served were impacted by wildfires. Additionally, Pacific Cancer Foundation will offer free Nutrition Counseling with a Registered Dietitian for cancer patients.
pacificcancerfoundation.org
The Kauluwehi Food Donation project will expand an existing food produce box project to provide fresh produce including lettuce, other seasonal vegetables and locally raised tilapia for direct fire survivors and fire impacted students and their families. The program has donated fresh produce boxes to food insecure families with partner Malama I Ke Ola for 2+ years (since June 2022). The proposed program will scale and grow more fresh produce on campus for direct donations to fire survivors and fire impacted students and their families.
Maui United Way announced the seven Maui nonprofits who are recipients of their new ʻOhana Mental Health Grant — an effort to meet the ongoing mental health needs in the aftermath of the wildfires.
While the original plan was to award $500,000 in grants, Maui United Way’s Partnership Committee and Board of Directors were so impressed with the breadth and depth of the proposals, they increased the amount by nearly $150,000, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Grantees were selected by a group of Maui-based mental health professionals and community members.
Per Maui United Way, the grantees selected serve both those directly impacted by the fires as well as those indirectly impacted throughout the broader community; they also serve a diverse community from keiki to kūpuna, and special populations such as pregnant mothers. Together, the grantees offer a variety of approaches such as direct clinical services, prevention and intervention.
“The Maui fires have had a profound mental health impact on individuals, families, and communities, resulting in trauma, grief, loss, and psychological distress,” said Makana Rosete, community impact coordinator for Maui United Way. “The aftermath of disasters often leads to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. We know that many in our community were suffering long before the fires and have worked to respond in an impactful way to support our community.”
Total Funds Awarded: $649,504. Awardees:
'Bridging Positive Youth Development and Social/Emotional Health for Maui' is a proactive response to emerging youth issues, such as mental health awareness and social isolation, ensuring the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui remain at the forefront of youth advocacy. By providing a supportive environment where youth can thrive emotionally and socially, the project empowers them with essential life skills and resilience, reinforcing the organization's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. This project not only enhances the existing work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui but also expands its scope to address a broader spectrum of youth needs. It represents a comprehensive approach to youth development, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being. Upon hiring a full time Mental Wellness Specialist BGCM will have the capacity to serve all active members weekly.
BGCMaui.org
Imua Family Services’ (Imua) Infant & Early Childhood Services (IECS) Program provides support to children, ages 0-6, by meeting critical developmental needs while simultaneously supporting their families. Services are related to enhancing the child’s physical, intellectual, social, emotional and linguistic growth. In addition to these early intervention services, IECS provides support to young children through family counseling. The family counseling program is designed to work with children facing mental health and life challenges. Finally, Imua is preparing to absorb the non-profit organization, Na Keiki O Emalia (NKOE). This will become a sub-program under Imua’s IECS program and will continue to provide a vital support system for children navigating grief.
The MACC’s program supports the mental health & well-being of educators in Maui County. The program will partner with community, government, and academic partners to incorporate research-backed methods, including Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices. Targeting educators from across Maui County, the program will utilize evidence-based approaches. From July, 2024, to June, 2025, the program aims to host 9 workshops, each attracting around 100 participants, across schools, community venues, and land-based locations. With educators serving as crucial second responders during disasters but often lacking adequate mental health support, this initiative addresses a pressing need in the community.
Our program addresses the urgent mental health needs of youth impacted by wildfires, providing immediate, accessible, and culturally sensitive services. We offer timely therapy, continuity of care, preventative measures, and community integration. Partnering with local schools, non-profits, and health centers, we identify and support affected youth. Our team includes licensed therapists and counselors experienced in trauma-informed care. We ensure sustainability through diversified funding, ongoing partnerships, and continuous donor engagement. Our goal is to foster resilience and well-being in wildfire-impacted youth, ensuring they receive the support they need during this critical period.
Nohona Health presents the OLENA Project, addressing the emotional impact of the 2023 Maui Wildfires through Native Hawaiian traditions. Focused on holistic healing, the project reconnects individuals with 'aina (land) and la'au lapa'au (healing practices). Activities include monthly cultural workshops and quarterly mea kanu (plant) distribution days, facilitated by experienced mahi'ai (caretakers) and local partners. The culturally tailored curriculum ensures relevance and authenticity, promoting cultural preservation and community resilience. OLENA aims to foster long-term well-being and deepen our island’s cultural connections. E malama 'oe i ka 'aina, e malama ka 'aina ia 'oe (Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you).
Pacific Birth Collective aims to extend its established support services to meet the increased mental health needs of disasteraffected families across Maui. With our base in Haiku, HI, and the capability to reach out through our mobile unit and outreach programs, we are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive support. Our primary goal is to mitigate the psychological impact of the wildfires on families, promoting recovery and resilience within the community by providing: Trauma-Informed Counseling, Community Healing Sessions, Postpartum Support, Mobile Health Services, and Outreach & Educational Workshops.
The Spirit Horse Ranch is located in the serene foothills of Haleakala in upcountry Maui. We are a Trauma Informed Care Equine Assisted Services facility that provides long-term Maui Fire Response and Trauma Informed Care Youth Programs. These programs are ongoing and provide comprehensive initiatives aimed at providing healing and building resilience among individuals impacted by the Maui wildfires and individuals who have experienced trauma including: sexual abuse, trafficking, abandonment, generational trauma and addiction. The program utilizes equine-assisted services, trauma-informed care practices, and various therapeutic modalities to address the psychological, and emotional needs of participants of all ages.
Maui United Way’s local providers help to feed thousands of survivors with fresh produce and proteins from local growers and suppliers. With support from us and other organizations, Common Ground Collective has been providing between 8,000 to 10,000 meals daily, and Salvation Army-Maui Corps is working with partners to prepare more than 2,000 meals per day.
After losing their homeless shelter in Lahaina, Maui United Way funds are helping Ka Hale A Ke Ola to shelter 70 adults and 38 children with clothing, household necessities, food, bus passes and more.
Maui Family Support Services’ Early Head Start building was destroyed in the fires, and MFSS is now using Maui United Way funds to relocate students and to provide tuition for children to learn at a new location. Additionally, they are providing gas cards to provide transportation between school and work, and to provide household essentials.
Na Keiki O Emalia is helping grieving children by providing services, books, toys and a child-friendly drop-in space, and will provide education and resources on helping children with grief. Pacific Birth Collective is providing Lomi & La’au Lapa'au services offered by cultural practitioners in Honokowai, which has become a hub for women, babies, and families affected by the fire.
The human toll of the wildfires is almost unimaginable. Survivors need help with the trauma they’ve endured, and our partners are providing crisis counseling for survivors as well as first responders. The J Walter Cameron Center is hosting a group of therapists and counselors at a central location to assist in this need. Spirit Horse Ranch is making Trauma Informed Equine Therapy available in addition to other services.
Our island is diverse, and trust is an essential part of healing. Our fund supports Hui No Ke Ola Pono’s Native Hawaiian practitioners as they provide medical outreach, supplies, medicine, radios, batteries, and other essentials to impacted families who need medical assistance.
Some of Maui’s residents with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live in group homes and were evacuated during the fires. We’re supporting ARC of Maui County’s 24/7 work to house disabled residents in a safe and clean environment and provide meals until they can return to their Lahaina group home.
The fires have left hundreds of cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and other pets and livestock injured or displaced. Our partners at the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation are providing food, medical supplies, veterinary care, and housing for these impacted animals.
Na Hoaloha-Maui Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, is using your donation to provide transportation to essential services such as dialysis, chemotherapy, other doctors’ visits, grocery shopping and pharmacy pick-up for fire survivors who lost their vehicles, as well as checking in on older adults who don’t have transportation of their own.
Hale Mahaolu is helping those who have lost their homes, navigate complex insurance and mortgage payment forbearance processes. Habitat for Humanity Maui is assisting fire survivors who have lost their homes and are being charged late fees on their mortgages on homes that have been lost in the fires.
Survivors need identification in order to prove eligibility and access the housing, health care, child care, and other services intended for them. Our partners, including Maui Economic Opportunity, are helping families replace documents lost during the fires such as IDs, drivers’ licenses and passports.
Emergency Financial Assistance for Adults in the Impacted Fire Zones: Just 10 days after the deadly fires in Lahaina, Maui United Way launched a one-time $1,000 financial assistance payment program for adult fire survivors living in the impacted fire zones in Lahaina and Kula, limited to $5,000 per household. To date, $7.8 million has been paid to over 7,800 fire survivors as the program nears completion.
Giving families the ability to choose what they purchase is empowering. Because Maui is one of the most culturally diverse places in the country, comfort food means different things to different people.
Funded 22 local Nonprofits Focusing Relief Efforts on Unmet Needs
After conducting a needs assessment, Maui United Way awarded grants in four critical focus areas: 1) Keiki and young adults, 2) Mental health, 3) Stable housing, and 4) Job training, education, and employment.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui, Keiki Hub - $10,000.00
The mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i is to build and support one-to-one relationships for Hawaii’s youth. The Keiki Hub was established by BBBSM to provide a safe place and meaningful experiences for youth residing at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center (KHAKO). BBBSM staff, interns and volunteers meet with youth at the Keiki Hub to provide consistency and be positive role models. The mentoring friendships will help them to become the best versions of themselves and embrace higher aspirations and hope for the future.
Hui No'eau, Maui Fire Relief - $10,000.00
Hui No‘eau’s programs support the creative growth and well-being of over 20,000 people, including more than 6,000 keiki annually. Hui No‘eau’s Art with Heart Program provides uplifting arts enrichment activities for children ages 0-18 who were directly impacted by the fires.
Lahaina Arts Guild, We Make Art Happen! - $10,000.00
Lahaina Arts Guild's 'We Make Art Happen!' program is comprised of indoor art instruction, outdoor PaintOut painting, and two Summer Camps for the children. Painting, drawing, and other mediums are all taught by their experienced teachers, usually with the home room teacher present so lessons can be folded into other classroom cultural and scientific projects. They integrate Hawaiian history and cultural talk story whenever possible.
Maui Prepatory Academy, Maui Prep Disaster Relief - $10,000.00
Maui Prep has welcomed over 140 displaced students from the affected Lahaina schools into their school. Their goal is to keep Lahaina students in Lahaina. Allowing a child to attend Maui Prep gives them the opportunity to choose the course of their development, attend the college of their choice, and give back to their community.
Na Keiki O Emalia, Keiki Care and Grief Relief - $10,000.00
Na Keiki O Emalia offers grief support to keiki who have experienced the death of someone important to them and offers training and support to parents who are accompanying their keiki on their grief journey. Through the grant from Maui United Way, Na Keiki O Emalia will open a space on the Westside to conduct community grief support groups for children and their families who are grieving from the wildfire disaster.
Pacific Birth Collective, Maui Fire Relief for Mothers, Babies, and 'Ohana - $10,000.00
The "Maui Fire Relief for Mothers, Babies & `Ohana" program is a vital response to the Maui wildfires' impact on pregnant and postpartum individuals, families, and households. This program aims to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes through comprehensive prenatal and postpartum education, as well as access to essential supplies. By promoting birth equity, it ensures that all affected individuals have access to maternal and family support services, contributing to community resilience and well-being in the wildfire's aftermath.
Pacific Whale Foundation, Support for Keiki after the devastating fires in August - $10,000.00
Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Camp provides an immersive study experience focused on the marine ecosystem, and gives children a moment of reprieve and relief from the stresses caused by the fires. Ocean Camp, which brings campers “eye to fin” with marine animals, is led by in-house education experts, and offers ocean-based experiences on ecotour vessels through PacWhale Eco Adventures.
The Lahaina Dojo of the HONOLULU KI SOCIETY, Lahaina Ki Aikido Replacement Equipment and Supplies - $10,000.00
The Lahaina Ki Aikido was started in the late 1950s in the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission and is open to everyone in Lahaina. Prior to the August 8th fire, keiki made up over 90% of our students. The Lahaina Hongwanji Mission was lost in the fire, including the Lahaina Ki Aikido training space and all of their equipment. Through training, they work with students to develop strong character and good habits in every aspect of their lives.
Underdog Foundation, Gorilla Athletes - $10,000.00
Gorilla Athletes is a beacon of hope and stability for youth aged 8-18 affected by the Lahaina and Kula wildfires, providing a secure environment to regain normalcy through quality athletic training and peer interaction. Led by Jojo Dickson, a former NFL player with extensive experience in strength and conditioning, the program focuses on holistic development, enhancing athletic performance, fostering community, and facilitating educational advancement.
Vernon Patao Mission, Maui Wildfire support for youth athletes - $10,000.00
This program provides access to strength and agility training to the keiki affected by the disastrous wildfires in Lahaina. By funding this program, they can offer them the opportunity to engage in a positive and empowering activity that promotes their physical and mental well-being.
Village of Hope Maui, Fire Relief Journey Bags - $10,000.00
Village of Hope Maui is providing every displaced person, regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, a Journey Bag full of essential goods to aid and encourage them in the aftermath of the Maui Wildfires.
Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, Mental Health - $10,000.00
Friends focuses on the lack of specialized therapeutic resources available to the children suffering from trauma. The Friends addresses the most urgent needs of our children, including consistency of therapeutic care.
Haku Baldwin Center, Equine Resilience Program for Maui First Responders - $10,000.00
Haku Baldwin Center is a nonprofit organization operating from Maui's premier equestrian facility, providing equine-assisted services to fire impacted families and individuals, first responders, and military veterans. Current programming includes therapeutic/adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. The benefits are countless, with survey data showing remarkable improvements in the physical, cognitive and/or emotional health and well-being of program participants.
Mental Health Kokua (Maui), Residential and Psycho-social Rehabilitation Services - $10,000.00
Mental Health Kokua offers homeless stabilization housing for adults diagnosed with serious mental illness, adding four psychiatric stabilization beds in Wailuku for homeless adults while triaging supportive housing.
Parents And Children Together, Maui - $10,000.00
PACT offers comprehensive wellness checks and support to those affected by the devastating fires in Maui. They prioritize families directly impacted by the fires, with special attention to caregivers with children, single-parent households, low-income families, children with health challenges, and those with limited support networks, offering custom tailored solutions to meet mental and physical health needs.
Players Philanthropy Fund, The Spirit Horse Ranch - $10,000.00
Spirit Horse Ranch provides trauma-informed care through equine therapy services. Since August 11, the organization has provided free equine therapy sessions with its 15 horses to more than 150 people, including first responders and others impacted by the fires.
Habitat For Humanity Maui, Inc., Staff preparation/Onboarding/Technology - $10,000.00
The "Habitat Maui Disaster Preparedness and Rebuilding Initiative" is a program that not only addresses critical disaster response needs but also highlights its unique focus on underserved populations. Funds will significantly increase staff capacity, enhance technical infrastructure, and prioritize safety training.
Hale Mahaolu, Homeownership & Housing Counseling Program - $10,000.00
Hale Mahaolu's mission is to create and manage vibrant, quality, affordable rental communities and provide supportive programs and services for seniors, families and individuals. They provide self-paced and virtual homebuyer education classes and individualized counseling sessions focusing on foreclosure, pre/post-purchase, non-delinquency, and financial literacy.
Na Hale O Maui, Stable Housing for Lahaina families - $10,000.00
The Maui United Way grant may be modest in size, especially when divided between 15 families, & represents a beacon of hope for the affected families as they work to rebuild their lives and homes. The community’s commitment to providing emergency assistance, including temporary housing and essential supplies, is crucial in helping our families get back on their feet. Collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and government agencies is the smart & effective way to addressing the diverse needs of the community. By working together, we will leverage resources, expertise, and networks to provide comprehensive support to the Maui 'ohana and facilitate a faster recovery process. It's reassuring to witness the commitment to our families that can make a real difference in their lives. The heartfelt outpouring of community support & resilience is both tested and strengthened in times of adversity when organizations and individuals come together to support one another. We truly appreciate the efforts and support of Maui United Way to help these families rebuild their lives & thrive once again.
J WALTER CAMERON CENTER, Cameron Center Laptop Relief Program - $10,000.00
The Maui Laptop Relief Program is dedicated to bridging the digital divide for disaster survivors. This program focuses on providing refurbished laptops to individuals and families who have been displaced or affected by the wildfires. The Maui Laptop Relief Program represents a critical response to a community in need, striving to empower survivors, promote economic stability, and reduce the digital divide created by the wildfires.
KA LIMA O MAUI LTD, Employment services - $10,000.00
Ka Lima O Maui funds will provide services to persons with disabilities in Maui County, which include career education, supported employment, job placement in the community, personal development training, recreation, and community integration. Ka Lima O Maui programs have a profound positive impact on clients’ lives daily, providing an opportunity for adults with a disability to earn income. Additionally, disabled workers whom are employed tend to need far fewer community services than those who are not, freeing up funds to meet other needs.
Maui Family Support Services, Inc., Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki - $10,000.00
Maui Family Support Services supports parents in seeking and maintaining employment, job training, or education by providing childcare subsidy assistance for parents. Subsidy assistance will be used to cover childcare tuition costs in full or in part at licensed childcare providers for children ages zero to five years old.
In the wake of the 2023 wildfires, Maui United Way has launched a wide range of targeted relief efforts to address urgent and evolving community needs. From distributing $150,000 in emergency food assistance through Common Ground Collective to help feed over 2,000 survivors, to funding $240,000 in gas cards for displaced families commuting to work and school, MUW has stepped in where support was most needed. Additional grants included $100,000 to Roots Reborn to assist COFA migrants and undocumented immigrants, $50,000 to Kaialahui Foundation to distribute culturally appropriate food, and $85,000 to Imua Preschool for early education and mental health support. Efforts also extended to school supply gift cards, disaster interpretation services, and the installation of wayfinding signs and bike racks in Kilohana, totaling hundreds of thousands in aid.
Beyond direct relief, Maui United Way continues to lead long-term recovery through investments in community infrastructure, mental health, education, and nonprofit capacity. A $1.5 million commitment to the Lahaina Community Land Trust supports affordable housing and local land stewardship, while $250,000 to Hoʻōla Iā Mauiakama helped launch Maui’s Long-Term Recovery Group. Programs like Keiki ‘ai ‘āina in Hāna, a foster youth bike giveaway, the annual Holiday Toy Drive, and enhancements at King Kamehameha III Elementary School exemplify MUW’s keiki-focused recovery. Through community needs assessments, 2-1-1 helpline support, and grant workshops serving nearly 300 attendees, MUW is also investing in data-driven solutions and building a stronger, more resilient Maui.
In response to urgent food insecurity following the August 2023 wildfires, Maui United Way granted $150,000 to Common Ground Collective to provide emergency meals to over 2,000 survivors—many of whom were receiving just one meal per day before support arrived. This funding ensured immediate relief during a critical time. To continue addressing this pressing need, Maui United Way is launching a second round of food security grants.
Maui United Way, with support from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, distributed $240,000 in gas cards to wildfire survivors commuting between Lahaina and other parts of Maui for work and school. Administered by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset Foundation and supported by community partners, the program provided monthly $100 gas cards over six months to 500 displaced families. This initiative helped ease transportation burdens during a critical time of recovery and reflects Maui United Way’s ongoing commitment to long-term support for wildfire-impacted communities.
Maui United Way’s “Tools for Schools” program provided $15,000 in gift cards to help teachers purchase school supplies, with $6,000 directed to Molokai schools. Focused on campuses with the highest percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch, this initiative eases the financial burden on educators while ensuring keiki have the tools they need to learn and thrive. The program reflects Maui United Way’s continued commitment to educational equity and community well-being.
Maui United Way awarded a $100,000 grant to Roots Reborn to provide critical relief and wraparound services to COFA migrants and undocumented immigrants impacted by the wildfires. This funding supports direct cash assistance, financial literacy workshops, access to banking, and culturally responsive mental health support—ensuring vulnerable communities receive the resources and care they need to recover and rebuild.
Maui United Way awarded a $50,000 grant to the Kaialahui Foundation in support of its Meaʻai Pono program, which promotes food security for wildfire-impacted families. The program aggregates and distributes culturally appropriate, locally grown foods while uplifting Maui’s farming economy. This investment helps ensure that families receive nourishing meals rooted in local tradition, while also strengthening sustainable, community-based agriculture.
Maui United Way awarded $85,000 to Imua Family Services to support its emergency preschool at the Imua Discovery Garden in Wailuku. Established in response to the August 2023 wildfires, the tuition-free Imua Preschool provides early childhood education and mental health support for children directly and indirectly affected by the fires. This investment helps ensure that Maui’s youngest wildfire survivors have a safe, nurturing space to learn, heal, and thrive.
Maui United Way is supporting the Keiki ‘ai ‘āina program with a $6,500 grant to provide 80 food boxes to Hāna School students during spring break. Led by the Hāna Farmers Market, this initiative addresses food insecurity in East Maui by offering farm-fresh, culturally relevant foods while supporting local farmers and fishers. The program also promotes nutrition education and strengthens the rural food economy.
In a heartwarming show of community support, five Maui foster youth received brand-new bikes, helmets, locks, and $100 gift cards thanks to a collaboration between Maui Postgraduate Dental Forum, Maui United Way, and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui. The surprise event, held at King Kamehameha Golf Club, was made possible by donations from Central Pacific Bank, Nobel Biocare, and MPDF, with bike assembly and safety lessons provided by Krank Cycles. This uplifting initiative brought joy and opportunity to deserving youth through the power of local partnership.
Maui United Way and Friends of the Children’s Justice Center, with support from Pacific Media Group and community partners, delivered holiday joy to over 2,100 children across Maui, Lānaʻi, and Moloka‘i through their annual Holiday Toy Drive. With gifts donated by individuals and organizations island-wide, the drive fulfilled 100% of requests, ensuring that keiki in need experienced the warmth and generosity of the season. Now in its ninth year, the toy drive reflects the power of community collaboration and aloha in action.
To support the recovery of Lahaina’s students, Maui United Way is funding the installation of a new children’s playhouse at the temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary School site. This builds on earlier contributions, including $178,000 for a DOE playground, over $10,000 in art room supplies, and support for bike safety. These efforts aim to create joyful, healing spaces where keiki can play, express themselves, and recover from trauma in a safe and nurturing environment.
MUW provided funding to provide a transformative senior class field trip for the 12th-grade Hawaiian Immersion students of Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Lahainaluna. The trip to Disneyland’s Lā ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi event during Hawaiian Language Month offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse students in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) in a globally recognized setting. By participating in activities and events that highlight Hawaiian culture, students deepened their connection to their heritage, enhanced their language skills, and celebrated the resilience of their community after the challenges of the Maui wildfires.
Maui United Way is supporting language access for disaster recovery planning by funding $2,500 in interpretation services for the County of Maui’s CDBG-DR Action Plan community meetings. Interpretation in ASL, Ilocano, Spanish, and Tagalog will be provided to ensure equitable participation as the County outlines strategies for housing, public services, and hazard mitigation following the 2023 wildfires.
Maui United Way is supporting Kilohana residents with $10,900 in funding for essential wayfinding and infrastructure not covered by FEMA. The project includes a community entrance sign, house number markers, a weather-resistant bulletin board for sharing resources, and secure bike racks to support mobility. All items are ADA-compliant, designed for temporary use, and will be removed after the program concludes—enhancing daily life and community connection during recovery.
Maui United Way has committed $1.5 million to the Lahaina Community Land Trust (LCLT) to support long-term recovery and resilience following the 2023 fires. This investment will help preserve affordable housing, cultural spaces, and ecosystems in Lahaina by keeping land in the hands of local residents. LCLT uses a community-driven land trust model to ensure permanent affordability and local stewardship, including support for underinsured homeowners and sustainable land use. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to a future where Lahaina families can remain rooted in place for generations to come.