How Can You Support Maui?
a Statement of Solidarity & Calls for Mutual Aid
The Nature Conservancy in Washington is grieved by the catastrophic wildfires in Lahaina, Maui. This is a heartbreaking example of how systemic injustices and extractive land use worsen climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of disasters like these wildfires. We are unfortunately poised to see more of these climate-driven disasters around the world, and we will need to be wary of those that may take advantage of these situations (see Disaster Capitalism).
We stand with the Lahaina community, especially those who have been and continue to be disproportionately impacted by a legacy of exploitative tourism and capitalistic extraction, which has generated stark economic inequality.
We also stand with Native Hawaiians, as they call for mutual aid, environmental justice, restoration of the land, and community care.
We stand with our colleagues at TNC Hawai'i and Palmyra, and cherished colleagues across TNC who call Hawaiʻi home. Jamie Stroble, Director of Climate Action & Resilience at TNC Washington, urges you to support frontline communities in the following ways:
Donate
Maui Aloha Fund
The Hawai’i People’s Fund focuses on grassroots organizing and community resources.
Kako’o Maui Fund
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) centers direct mutual aid to Native Hawaiians.
Maui Mutual Aid
Maui Rapid Response deploys on-the-ground, critical resources following disasters.
Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund
The Hawaii Community Foundation distributes a variety of resources across Maui County.
Learn More
Read “Native Hawaiian Sacred Sites Have Been Damaged In The Lahaina Wildfires” by Rosalyn R. LaPier
Read “Why was there no water to fight the fire in Maui?” by Naomi Klein and Kapuaʻala Sproat
Read “Lee Cataluna: Everyone Loves Lahaina. Few Get To Claim It As Their Home" by Lee Cataluna
Read “UH wildfire expert: Invasive grasses growing in the abandoned plantations fueled wildfires on Maui and Hawaii Island” by Michelle Broder Van Dyke
*Header Photo by Ian Shive; Description: Clouds forming on cinder cones and formations inside the crater of Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii.
