Maui fire relief Updates
Past Updates
August 16, 2023 — Kona, Hawaiʻi
Kona’s Fire Relief Team: Bringing Hope & Assistance to Affected Communities
The University of the Nations Kona in collaboration with YWAM Ships Kona’s Fire Relief Team is playing a pivotal role in the aftermath of Maui’s recent unprecedented fire disaster. Through compassionate commitment and unwavering collaboration, they have brought notable relief and fostered a sense of hope among the affected communities.
Here’s a glimpse of their recent efforts:
Flotilla of Mercy Sails to Maui:
A significant milestone is set for this Wednesday as a ship, packed to the brim with essential supplies, sets sail from Kona to Maui. Upon docking, the Pacific Whale Foundation will assist in unloading, after which our proactive Lahaina advance team will ensure the supplies reach a predetermined warehouse.
Boundless Generosity:
The overwhelming kindness from our donors continues to touch the hearts of Lahaina’s residents. A significant shopping spree took place today, amassing goods worth over $50,000 – all thanks to our benevolent supporters. Remarkably, the chosen items reflect the needs and preferences of the local community. Among the standout donations are ten state-of-the-art suitcase water makers, priced at $3,000 each, ensuring access to clean water.
A special thanks goes out to Operation Blessing for their unwavering support and partnership in this initiative.
Unified Efforts:
Both YWAM Ships Kona and the University of the Nations Kona have been relentless in their efforts. They’ve collaborated with local businesses, including Walmart on the Big Island, to gather essentials and prepare them for expedited delivery. With the backing of partners such as Aloha Cargo, Paradise Helicopters, and several Flotilla of Mercy vessels, aid reaches the afflicted regions promptly. In a significant gesture of solidarity, Epic Ministries from Honolulu has dispatched three ships from their base to Maui, echoing what YWAM dubs a “FLOTILLA OF MERCY.” Vessel owners willing to aid can reach out to [email protected].
Immediate Shelter Solutions:
In direct response to a request from the Maui Police, the Kona Fire Relief Advance Team has provided tents as immediate shelter solutions. Impressively, the delivery was executed on the same day the request was made!
YWAM’s Fire Relief Teams continue their mission to alleviate the adversities of those impacted by the disaster. Their tenacity, along with the invaluable support from donors, partners, and the community at large, truly captures the essence of Aloha – nurturing and caring for the extended family.
For a deeper dive, watch the latest coverage by CBN.
Media Contact:
Johnny Gillespie
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 808-345-4117
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Monday, August 14, 2023 – Kona, Hawaiʻi
In the wake of the devastating Maui fire that has left communities reeling, the Maui Fire Relief Team, comprising YWAM Ships Kona and the University of the Nations Kona, continues to make strides in providing vital assistance and resources to those affected.
As the scale of the disaster unfolds, the true extent of the tragedy becomes more apparent. With just 3% of homes searched by FEMA cadaver dogs, the death toll continues to rise. Currently, approximately 1000 individuals are reported missing, and the destruction of 2200 structures, further compounds the crisis.
Responding to this dire situation, YWAM Ships Kona and the University of the Nations Kona are spearheading a comprehensive relief campaign. Collaborating closely with local partners on Maui, supplies are being collected and dispatched via Aloha Air Cargo. Urging the community’s support, the relief team emphasizes the importance of donations to intensify their response efforts.
Local businesses have demonstrated remarkable solidarity, contributing essential items through donation stations set up outside major retailers such as Walmart. Among the urgently needed items are baby and maternal supplies, with water makers that can fit in a suitcase among the standout contributions.
The Maui Fire Relief Team has compiled a list of items requested by Maui residents:
– canned goods with can openers
– gatorades
– toilet paper
– camping gear
– baby formula, diapers of all sizes, baby wipes
– extension cords
– stoves
– coffee and filters
– generators
– fuel canisters, grills, charcoal
– batteries of all sizes
– headlamps, flashlights, lighters
– dish and laundry soap, paper plates, paper towels
– feminine products
– underwear in all sizes
– floss
To facilitate donations, a drop-off point has been established at the Kuakini Highway entrance to the University of the Nations Kona. Contact: [email protected]
The number of boats interested in shuttling goods across to Maui is growing. A Flotilla of Mercy is being set up to ferry goods across the channel, weather permitting.
For assistance with this Flotilla of Mercy you can email: [email protected]
The Maui Fire Relief Team expresses heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support from both local and international communities. As the recovery efforts persist, their commitment to restoring hope and providing essential aid to those affected remains resolute.
To contribute to the relief effort please donate here.
Mahalo and thank you.
The Maui Fire Relief Team of
The University of the Nations Kona and YWAM Ships Kona
