HONOLULU, HAWAII: The aftermath of the devastating wildfires on the picturesque island of Maui has left the historic Lahaina town in ruins, triggering a widespread search for loved ones and a collective call for aid and assistance.
As recovery efforts continue, individuals and organizations have stepped forward to provide support to those affected by the tragedy. Below is a comprehensive listing of essential phone numbers to aid in reuniting families, offering shelter, providing resources, and extending a helping hand during this challenging time.
Reuniting families
In the wake of the destruction, many individuals are searching for missing loved ones. The American Red Cross has taken up the role of reuniting families. Those seeking assistance can reach out to the Red Cross by dialing 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Additionally, a dedicated Maui resident has compiled an alphabetical spreadsheet of those lost or separated. The comprehensive list is available to the public and can be accessed through a website provided by the community.
For family members in need of assistance locating their loved ones, the Family Assistance Center has been established at the Kahului Community Center. Situated at 275 Uhu St, the center will be open from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Please note that the center's operational days have been revised from its initial schedule.
Shelters and evacuation
The island is coming together to provide shelter to evacuees. Emergency shelters are available at various locations, including the Maui Preparatory Academy, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, and War Memorial.
For those taking refuge in emergency shelters, the county Department of Transportation is offering bus services to the county Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing for driver's license and state identification card re-issuance. Special hours have been designated from 8 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday.
Notably, the Honolulu Convention Center has made provisions to accommodate up to 4,000 individuals seeking shelter. This includes both residents leaving Maui and visitors trying to exit the state.
Efforts to facilitate evacuation from Lahaina are also in place. The county has organized a mass bus evacuation departing from the Whalers Village entry fronting Kāʻanapali Parkway. Additional buses will be dispatched as needed, transporting visitors to the airport and residents to a designated shelter in Central Maui.
Aiding the affected
In the spirit of unity and compassion, several organizations are stepping forward to provide crucial assistance:
- Both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are offering flexibility in evacuating both visitors and residents from Maui. Hawaiian Airlines has introduced fares starting from $19 for travel between Kahului and Honolulu. Alaska Airlines has announced a special flight from Kahului to Honolulu, available for $19 via various booking platforms or by calling (800) 252-7522.
- To prevent price gouging, the Office of Consumer Protection has implemented a price freeze for the Island of Maui. Goods are required to be sold at pre-emergency price levels.
- Food, water, supplies, and clothing distribution are in progress at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua from 10 am on Friday, with additional baby products available.
- Agricultural operations affected by the wildfires are encouraged to contact the HDOA’s Agricultural Loan Program on O‘ahu at (808) 973-9458 to explore low-interest agricultural emergency loans.
- Planet Fitness Kahului is extending a helping hand by offering showers, phone charging, and rest facilities to displaced Maui residents.
- T-Mobile is deploying resources to enhance communication infrastructure. A COW (Cells on Wheels) has arrived on Maui, with plans to optimize wireless coverage. Expectations include the arrival of small satellite terminals, equipment solutions, and additional microwave and satellite resources.
- A fueling station is operational for west-side residents, conveniently located across from the Kaanapali Ocean Resort.
- The DOH Maui Community Health Center, situated at 121 Mahalani St, is providing crisis mental health services to those in need. Expanded hours now include Saturdays and Sundays. Individuals can contact them at (808) 984-2150 or email mauiwellness@doh.hawaii.gov. Local crisis counselors are also available after hours by calling (808) 832-3100, (800) 753-6879, or call/text/chat 988.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest loans for both businesses and homeowners impacted by the fires. Businesses can access up to $2 million for repairs and replacements, while homeowners can receive up to $500,000 for real estate repair or replacement. SBA can be reached at (800) 659-2955.
- U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-box usage for those affected by the fires. Impacted residents can reach out to U-Haul of Maui-Kahului at (808) 249-8041.
- Aloha Air Cargo is waiving shipping fees for goods sent to Maui, provided the shipping is pre-booked and there is a designated recipient on the island.
- HMSA is collaborating with CVS to ensure members receive medications promptly. Accommodations are being arranged for Oahu travel for those in need of additional care. Members can call the number on their membership card or (855) 298-2491 for assistance.
- Kaiser Permanente is deploying a health vehicle for first aid services at the War Memorial Gym, available to both members and non-members at no cost.
- Mercy Chefs has partnered with Citizen Church Maui to provide meals to impacted individuals, including first responders and volunteers, at various locations.
- Uber is offering discounted fares, up to $40, for evacuees traveling from the Honolulu airport to the convention center. Use the promo code MAUI23 in the Uber app's wallet section to apply the discount.
Community support and donations
In a collaborative effort to support the affected, KHON2 will be hosting a telethon with the American Red Cross on Monday, August 14. The telethon, titled Malama Maui, will run from 5 am to 10 am during the shows 'Wake Up 2Day', 'Take2', and 'Living808'.
To contribute to disaster relief efforts, please call the phone number (855) 511-4483. Volunteers will be available to accept donations and offer assistance, according to Fox 4.