Adventist Community Services Disaster Response (ACS DR) has joined the relief and recovery efforts in Hawaii; plans continue to take shape as organizations join hands to support those affected by the wildfires that burned through Lahaina and other parts of Maui in early August. Mark Tamalaa, Hawaii Conference ACS director, led local efforts by setting up a shelter in Maui, where the most damage has taken place.

More than 100 people perished as the wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and left thousands of residents homeless as more than 270 structures were damaged or destroyed. The Maui Fire has surpassed the 2018 Camp Fire in California as the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Many were not able to evacuate when the main road that runs along the western coastline of Maui—also the only road in and out of Lahaina—was closed to most traffic while firefighting and emergency rescue efforts continued. That road reopened on August 16.

At the Kahului Seventh-day Adventist Church, “We are housing just over 50 residents who have been burned out of their homes,” shared W. Derrick Lea, North American Division (NAD) ACS director, who has been meeting with Tamalaa, the Hawaii Conference leadership, other ACS workers, and other relief agencies. “We are uncertain how long this effort will be necessary, but the Hawaiian [sic] Conference has determined we will support those in need as appropriate. In addition to ACS offering this service, we are partnering with the Salvation Army, who is delivering hot meals and food to those being housed.” Spiritual care is also being provided to these individuals by ACS.

Lea reported that the State of Hawaii has asked Charlene Sargent, Pacific Union Conference ACS DR director, to serve as a “subject matter expert” at the emergency operations command center (EOC) in Maui, assisting with the donations section. “This offers us an opportunity to have a representative on the inside of the operation who can provide information as to how the recovery effort is going. We will stay in communication with the EOC through Charlene and plan on using some of our resources to offer distribution sites around the affected area,” said Lea.

On Monday morning, August 14, ACS, along with more than 150 government and non-government groups, discussed the status of recovery in Maui, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As of that day, fires continued burning in three locations, and close to 5,000 residents were without power.

Although the Lahaina Seventh-day Adventist Church sustained some damage, the church property will likely be utilized as a supply distribution site as plans for how this might best be accomplished are being put into place. “Additionally, we are considering obtaining one of our shower and laundry units for service in the next few days. These efforts will have the support of the local ACS volunteers, and the Hawaii Conference is determining how this will be managed,” Lea said.

It was reported that the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has some supplies that could be used at a distribution site. Lea said, “Given our need, we have agreed to receive tents, shelter kits, and solar lights. These items will be used to support our operation in Hawaii and given to those in need in the affected area. We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with our friends at ADRA.”

Lea added, “This effort will go on for a number of months, and it is expected this historic recovery will last for more than a year. The NAD will support our local conference, and [we] appreciate all the prayers and support.”

How You Can Help

The best way to help at this time is through donations, and there are several ways to do so:

The Hawaii Conference has a link on its website (https://www.hawaiisda.com/) that allows you to donate through AdventistGiving.

Alternatively, you can go directly to AdventistGiving and select the Hawaii Conference Church (https://adventistgiving.org/donate/ANPBB1). “Maui Fires Relief” is listed as a local offering.

Please keep the people of Maui and the Hawaii Conference leadership and members in your prayers.

The original version of this story was posted on the North American Division website.