“ʻĀina,” Hawaiian for “land,” means that which feeds; a worldview of reciprocity and familial relationship between people and land.
Many may have traveled to the beautiful volcanic islands of Hawaii, perhaps know Indigenous people of Hawaii, have friends/ family there. We are aware of the Maui Friends Worship Group and Honolulu Friends, Pacific Yearly Meeting. Through collaboration, we witness Friends of Pacific YM serving Indigenous communities. Small world.
On the island of Maui, there are currently grand fires – Lahanai/ West Maui wildfire, South Maui wildfire, and Upcountry Maui wildfire. Maui is situated between the Big Island and Honolulu Island. Lives have been lost, creation forever changed, may we pray for best release of transitioning (pausing for this thought; their realities).
With shared awareness of Jersey fires, firefighters, concern, devastation, including the devouring of land that local communities encounter, we experience Friends wanting to react, helping in some way. We have called Friends in Hawaii and left word of good energy from the east coast, USA, PYM. May the possibility of receiving that message be fulfilled; so far away yet connected by Spirit.
There is good news; structural systems are abundant in Hawaii. Island life has a way of being very very communal, resilient! So to no surprise, Hawaiians are resourced. From two Indigenous led sources, we’ve received a rather collective list of possibilities meeting needs. Setting aside any of our distracting grief/ sadness, there is work to be done.
We believe that relationships are vast, people and institutions want to help, and coordination is possible. We are reaching out to those we know residing in Hawaii, who help in times of devastation, and those who have gifts of healing. Thinking local, acting global, with resources in the manner of Indigenous/ Hawaiian voices rising:
Links
- Indian Country Today article
- Maui Fire People Locator
- County of Maui Facebook
- County of Maui Instagram
- NASA GIS Map of Maui wildfires
- Hawaii Charities Tax & Charities Division, Hawaii Attorney General (To determine if an online Hawaii charity is reputable or not)
- Kākoʻo Haleakalā
- ʻĀina Momona
- Maui Rapid Response
Community Organizations of Support
ILWU Local 142 (If you are on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui or Hawaiʻi follow ILWU for daily donations/supplies drop off information. As of August 10th the ask includes: water, toiletries, diapers, formula, clothes, shoes, non-perishable food, and other critical supplies.)
If you are on Oʻahu and would like to drop off supplies, here is a running list of locations accepting donations.
If you are looking for, or to provide, aid, shelter, and other disaster coordination efforts, a running Google Spreadsheet.
How to Support Local Fundraisers
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
- Ilimanator/Wahine Toa Foundation
- Hawaii Community Foundation
- Maui Food Bank
- Maui Humane Society
Friends in action, as way opens. Peace be with you, malu, shalom, heddwch
