By Lauren Hyland
The deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century began to reign over Maui, taking the lives of at least 115 people with hundreds more unaccounted for on Aug. 8, 2023.
Though the cause of these deadly fires has not been determined by officials, there is no doubt that the spread was rapid and vast.
Evacuating residents took drastic measures to stay safe, whether it be running through ash-filled air or jumping into the nearby ocean—leaving behind their possessions. Over 2,000 acres of land have been burned, including Lahaina, a historic oceanside town that lures in hundreds of thousands of tourists per year and is largely responsible for Maui’s economic stability.
Despite the thousands of homes lost, little aid is being provided to the people of Maui.
According to ABC News, “The White House and FEMA approved $700 per household” for any essentials necessary such as food, clothing, and transportation. FEMA, however, has objected to this statement: they stated that this is just one of several types of federal assistance available. Nevertheless, many families in this crisis feel this amount is nowhere near enough to cover their immediate needs relative to their losses.
Countering the lack of help from the Hawaiian government, many locals have taken matters into their own hands. As reported by The Washington Post, a beach in Kahana Village, just north of Lahaina, was overflowing with boats and native islanders gathering supplies such as clothing, generators, propane tanks, and more. To emphasize, this was not an arranged effort by the local government or National Guard, but an impromptu measure to help those in crisis by those fortunate to have escaped damages from the fire. As time went on, the effort to help Maui residents spread to other Hawaiian islands, notably Oahu and Molokai.
Moreover, voluntary support has provided a base of stability for those grieving their losses. “We came together. We can survive together. We cannot wait for the government,” Wela Espiritu, survivor, and Lahaina community member said. Espiritu goes on to express that their community is strong and everyone is doing anything they can to help one another.
Those who wish to donate to any Maui fire survivors can choose from many organizations and non-profits. Check out these options: Help Maui Fire Victims: Here’s How You Can Donate.
