In a joint effort to provide relief to Maui, “Key Club and Congressional Awards Club are looking to host a car wash or coin drive,” said Key Club Supervisor Michelle Schwimmer.

According to Hawaiian myth, the demigod Māui once gave fire to his people as an act of kindness, and the island of Maui was later named after him–ironically, now dangerous fires rage across that same land.

Maui has been revered as a sacred place by its indigenous population for generations, and has served as the burial ground for Hawaii’s royal family in the past.

Early in August, wildfires broke out across the Hawaiian island and many of these sacred sites have been reduced to ashes.

Experts have speculated multiple causes of the fires including high winds caused by Hurricane Dora that downed power lines, as well as the dry conditions lately.

News of the fires has broken out all over the media, and yet funding towards their recovery has been somewhat insufficient.

The US government has contributed a sum of around $8.5 million for relief so far and President Joe Biden has pledged $95 million more towards hardening Hawaii’s power grid; this may seem like a substantial amount but some Americans claim that when compared to the $75 billion in aid sent to Ukraine, it is pocket change.

Especially considering the loss of about $10 million a day on Maui since August 9, 2023 due to business closures and visitor expenditures.

In addition to the loss of needed tourism and business revenue on the island, the loss of life and property has been substantial.

As of September 6th, the state of Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism has said “The Maui wildfire took the lives of 115 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes.”

There are still approximately 385 people on the official list of missing persons based on the countless reports filed with the Maui police force.

So what can you do to help?

National Geographic says “Consider donating to organizations like the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong fund or the Maui Food Bank or volunteering while on vacation.”

Sunnyslope students have the opportunity to contribute donations through Key Club and Congressionals upcoming fundraiser sometime within September, so keep your eye out for updates regarding the event and stop by to support Maui.