Donation Information Plus Answers For Some Questions Tourists Have
- “The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery for the devastating wildfires on Maui.” https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/
The Hawaii wildfires have killed at least 90 people and THOUSANDS to lose ALL of their belongings. In times of crisis, many organizations are stepping up to provide aid and support to those in need. The wildfires on Maui were caused by a combination of dry conditions and strong winds from a passing hurricane. More than 2,700 structures were destroyed in Lahaina and “an estimated value of $5.6 billion has gone away.” But mostly there are people suffering and need help right now.
The one charity most mentioned by residents of Hawaii and celebrities who were raised in Hawaii
(including Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa) is the Maui Strong Fund, but other reputable organization are also going to be helping, and your donations to them are also welcome and appreciated.
American Red Cross/American Red Cross of Hawaii
Americares
Feeding America
Aloha United Way
Hawaii Community Foundation
The Salvation Army
The Maui Food Bank
World Central Kitchen
Maui Human Society
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAD TRAVEL PLANS TO SEE HAWAII SCHEDULED?
To begin with, if you planned to visit Maui, local government officials want nonessential travel to the island to be rescheduled to help ease the stress on local infrastructure.
Major airlines are also offering travel waivers and changes to bookings without penalties to better assist customers. Airlines offering these options include Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Hawaii’s tourism management authority also issued a statement saying, “Visitors with travel plans to stay in other parts of Maui and the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island in the coming weeks are encouraged to contact their hotels for updated information and how their travel plans may be affected.”
As always, check with your travel agent to learn the latest, and if you have travel insurance, contact them to see if your trip can be refunded or rescheduled for a time in the future.
Susan Saunders 8/14/23
