April 2026 – As Maui County faces severe flooding that adds to the ongoing recovery from the 2023 wildfires, Maui United Way has activated the Maui Nui Resilience and Emergency Response Fund to support urgent needs and long-term recovery across Maui and Molokai.
The fund is designed to move resources quickly to where they are needed most, especially in rural and underserved communities. It has been seeded with a $100,000 investment from Kaiser Permanente. Southwest Airlines is also matching community donations up to $10,000, helping expand the impact during this critical time.
In recent weeks, Maui United Way has been coordinating closely with the Maui Emergency Management Agency, County of Maui, Maui COAD, and grassroots partners. This work helps identify urgent needs, strengthen communication, and mobilize support in real time.
MUW has already supported the distribution of more than 1,300 meals to residents in hard-to-reach areas like Hana and Molokai, as well as kupuna across the county, in partnership with World Central Kitchen.
Additional efforts include:
- $15,000 in food security support for Hana families
- Gas cards to help with transportation needs
- Seven internet satellite units deployed across Hana and Molokai to improve connectivity during response
Support is also underway to help local nonprofits access funding and preparing targeted grants, including $5,000 awards to Malama Kula and Lahaina Strong, to address immediate needs.
Since the 2023 wildfires, MUW has deployed $5.5 million in recovery funding this fiscal year alone, supporting individuals and organizations working to rebuild.
“Our community continues to show up with aloha for one another,” said Jeeyun Lee, CEO of Maui United Way. “Recovery is not linear, and many families are navigating multiple challenges. Our role is to listen, connect, and move resources quickly in ways guided by community.”
Ensuring equitable support across Maui County remains a priority, with a focus on reaching communities that are often harder to access, including Molokai. “Our Molokai community is proud of our resilience, and we know we are often overlooked,” said Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez. “Supporting Molokai means treating it as a priority, not an afterthought.
Maui United Way invites individuals, businesses, and partners to contribute to the Maui Nui Resilience and Emergency Response Fund. With matching funds available, donations can go even further right now. “For those asking how to help, this is one of the most impactful ways to stand with our community,” Lee added.
Click here to learn more and donate.
To support Molokai-specific efforts, include “Malama Molokai” in the note section when donating.
