On August 7, Maui was set ablaze by devastating wildfires, which were the deadliest fires in our nation's history and which have caused unimaginable hardship. Much of West Maui burned overnight, taking all of historic Lāhainā town, which is the original capital and seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom. History, homes, and many irreplaceable cultural areas were burned to the ground.
The impact of these fires runs deep, inflicting pain and suffering upon the people of Maui, and particularly upon the Native Hawaiian families whose ʻohana and ancestral lands are in Lāhainā. Learn how you can help locally here.
It’s undeniable that climate change from the continued burning of fossil fuels, in addition to generations of colonial land destruction, exacerbated the scale and danger of these fires, which disproportionately jeopardize vulnerable local communities. Although it traditionally has a tropical climate, Hawai'i is currently experiencing a drought and lower than normal rainfall levels. This change in climate threatens both the natural environment and the unique Native Hawaiian culture. This culture, which has withstood European colonization and annexation, is now in grave danger due to our dependence on fossil fuels.
Please visit these resources compiled by the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action to find out how you can help.
The main focus of relief efforts right now is getting help to the people who need it most, while strategizing to rebuild in the most equitable way for the future.