Making an Impact

Emerging from the Maui Economic Recovery Commission, this initiative recognizes that individual, community, and generational healing is critical to post-fire recovery. Due to the displacement of people from Lahaina, there are limited opportunities to gather, which community members say is a critical source of healing.  This initiative targets two years of seasonal convenings, guided by community leadership, to promote healing through gathering, de-stigmatize mental health support, and provide opportunities for keiki to kupuna to reconnect.

The ‘Oihana Career Exploration Courses project aims to empower Hawai‘i’s youth through interactive online courses featuring local professionals. It integrates real-world insights from various fields into the local educational curriculum, enhancing students’ understanding of career pathways and fostering informed career decisions.

ʻOhana Workplace Alliance is a hui of business and nonprofit leaders in Hawaiʻi that asks, “How might we co-create and celebrate ‘ohana-centered businesses that support their employees’ child and family care, mental health, and safety needs?”

UH Mānoa has committed to covering the cost of attendance of students whose livelihoods have been impacted or affected by the Maui Wildfires. With this commitment, we aim to help impacted students complete their UH Mānoa degree. Mānoa is investing in these students because we believe that with their degree in hand, they will contribute their strengths and talents toward the revitalization and future of Lahaina and Kula.

Community-Centered Partnership (CCP) is an initiative sponsored by Early Childhood Action Strategy (ECAS) Hawai‘i. CCP is the practice of working closely with affected community members on priorities that get elevated, funded, and worked on at different levels. In practice, it means placing affected communities at the center of voice and decision-making.

Due to the Maui wildfires, Native Hawaiian Philanthropy (NHP) has shifted their support and resources to help Lahaina and Kula families. They are currently working with partners to implement an indigenous-informed disaster recovery approach to assist Lahaina and Kula families displaced by the fires.