The Maui News
Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees have approved $5 million to aid in disaster recovery for Native Hawaiian families impacted by the Maui wildfires, OHA announced Wednesday.
In cooperation with Native Hawaiian leaders on Maui, OHA trustees are currently assessing the needs of beneficiaries to ensure that these funds provide the greatest assistance possible, an OHA news release said.
“We need to allow the people of Maui time to grieve and process this devastating loss, and our goal will be to build on the efforts of emergency first responders such as FEMA as we move through the lengthy recovery process,” said OHA Board Chairwoman and Maui Island Trustee Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey. “We know that those who are suffering know best what they need, and we are committed to listening to them in making these funds available.”
“We believe that this money is crucial to help Native Hawaiians, and this is just the beginning of what OHA will do to help our people on Maui,” said OHA Ka Pouhana Kuikawa/Interim CEO Colin Kippen.
The $5 million commitment of funds is one of many actions OHA has taken to provide support to Maui wildfire victims, including distributing $2 million in housing vouchers and gift cards in partnership with charitable nonprofit Global Empowerment Mission and raised more than $100,000 via a benefit concert.
For relief resources and information on OHA activities, see www.oha.org/mauirelief.
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