As we continue to see the effects of the wildfires on our neighboring islands, we wanted to take this month’s newsletter as an opportunity to express our support for the communities that have been impacted. Maui in particular needs our help as they begin to recover from the wildfire that tore through Lahaina on August 8th. It has become one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history, and has left behind a catastrophic loss that we can’t begin to fathom. Buildings have been destroyed, thousands of people have been displaced, and friends and family have been lost. We have not heard news of any wildlife being directly impacted, but we will be looking for updates.

We can only imagine the depth of grief of those who have lost homes, businesses, cultural lands, and loved ones. We are asking all of our supporters to help those impacted on Maui in whatever way you can. With needs still being assessed, Maui has a long road to recovery. The community within the Hawaiian islands has already started to come together to create fundraisers and mobilize assistance on Maui.

Below is a list of places to start if you are interested in donating. At this time, financial donations are preferred over in-kind donations. You can also visit Maui County’s website to stay up-to-date.

If you are able, please consider contributing or circulating these resources.

Hawaii Community Foundation

Maui food Band

The Salvation Army’s Hawaii and Pacific Islands Division

Maui United Way

Maui Rapid Response

Additionally, we wanted to highlight our fellow conservation crews in Maui that have been impacted by the wildfires. The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project donated their work gear (sleeping pads, camping cots, etc.) in order to assist those in their community in greater need of those supplies. They need to replace these supplies down the line so they can continue their integral field work to save our ever dwindling forest bird population. You can donate to them here so they will be able to replace their gear and make the repairs on their property from damages from the wildfires.

An old crew member of the Mauna Kahālāwai Watershed team who worked for them for over 10 years is also asking for assistance. Kainoa and his family are unable to return to their home and have a gofundme to help them with the costs of finding a new home or a place to rent.

Please keep in mind this community will not recover overnight and will need our support for a while to come. We will continue to look for ways to help our sister community and share that with our supporters in the coming months. Mahalo nui loa to all those who are supporting these communities already and to all the heroes that are on the ground assisting in recovery directly.