Maui's Historic Wildfire Crisis:
How are the Locals Helping and How We Can Help
Please Join Us on Tuesday, August 22, 2023
In Support of Our ActiveRain Maui Families
This week’s ActiveRain ZOOM call is very special to many of us, as our own Steven Nickens is going to be sharing his experience, living through one of our worst wildfires in over a century. Having lived on Maui for over ½ century himself, Steven knows the island like the back of his hands, as does he know a good many islanders. Steven has had many close friends who have lost everything.
As you know, last week Steven’s beloved Maui experienced the deadliest US wildfire in modern history, with a death toll of 111 and counting. Many are still missing and billions of dollars are needed for recovery. These devastating fires, fueled by hurricane winds, decimated Lahaina's historic town and other parts of Maui, leaving thousands homeless.
The fires began on Aug 7 & 8, wiping out much of West Maui. Reports indicate about 3,000 structures were destroyed and again, there were billions of dollars in damages. Lahaina lost several historic landmarks from the Hawaiian Kingdom era (the early part of the 19th century).
Currently, 1,300 people remain unaccounted for. As of Thursday, ongoing fires and dangerous conditions have hindered searches, with only 58% of the affected area combed through. With most of the damaged structures being homes, housing has become a major crisis. Efforts are underway with hotels, Airbnb units and generous locals providing shelter.
Want to help? Please join our ZOOM call with Steven Nickens on Tuesday to learn how mainlanders can support Maui's residents during this tragedy and he’ll share his experiences/updates over the past 10 or so days.
We’ll learn on Tuesday what we can do to help at this juncture. In the meantime, here are some links to which you can safely donate that Steven recently provided us.
Calvary Chapel Maui works directly with victims of fire
Maui Strong working with Hawaii Life.
Click HERE to join or you can also click the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/99619959334
*Thank you, Steven Nickens, for sharing your photo with me to use in this post as the featured photo. See you on Tuesday!
© Debe Maxwell, CRS | The Maxwell House Group | Savvy + Company | SavvyBroker@me.com | Maui's Historic Wildfire Crisis: How are the Locals Helping and How We Can Help
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