Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group launched to support Maui’s recovery post-wildfire

A coalition of dedicated community leaders has announced the formation of the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group, aimed at delivering ongoing recovery assistance to residents impacted by the August 2023 wildfire disaster.

Established with support from the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Maui United Way, and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, this community-driven initiative is designed to help survivors effectively navigate the challenges of rebuilding their homes and lives.

The Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group’s mission is to offer comprehensive and compassionate support for those affected by the wildfires. Many survivors need assistance and have questions on how to proceed with rebuilding, who they can go to for help, and where to find resources. Recovery group programs provide this essential support, ensuring that individuals can access the resources and guidance they need to rebuild their homes and lives.

For more information, visit www.mauilongtermrecovery.org.
Long Term Recovery Group’s (LTRG) Key Areas of Support:

Rebuild Navigator Program: In collaboration with Hawaiʻi Community Lending, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and the County of Maui, the Long Term Recovery Group’s (LTRG) Rebuild Navigator Program provides valuable guidance to homeowners throughout the rebuilding process. It features an online A-Z Rebuild Checklist that outlines essential steps and resources, helping homeowners and professionals navigate post-disaster construction requirements in Maui, ultimately reducing uncertainty and stress. Visit mauilongtermrecovery.org/build.
Access to Volunteer Teams: LTRG works with organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Mennonite Disaster Service, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to offer free architectural plans and volunteer labor to assist residents in their rebuilding efforts.
Resource Roundtable: The Resources Roundtable brings together funders to evaluate individual cases of unmet needs, ensuring critical assistance is provided to those facing gaps in their recovery plans.

The public is also encouraged to get involved by volunteering their time or donating much needed items. Donations can be made through the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and LTRG will ensure these resources reach those most in need. To make a donation, visit www.mauilongtermrecovery.org/donate.

Kaipo Kekona, chair of LTRG, shared, “Our LTRG volunteer board and committee members have worked tirelessly to create a system that will help Maui residents recover and rebuild. We invite the community to join our efforts and help us build a stronger, more resilient Maui.”

For more information, visit www.mauilongtermrecovery.org.

Organization assisting in this LTRG long term recovery effort are:

Maui United Way
Hawai‘i State VOAD
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Salvation Army
Kaibigan ng Lahaina
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United
Cajudoy Construction, LLC
Pacific Disaster Center
Maui Behavioral Health Resources
Roots Reborn
Catholic Charities
Napili Noho
Lahaina Community Land Trust
Kelea Foundation Maui Disability Taskforce/Hui
Hawai‘i Community Lending
Kirei Concepts
QV Design
Manaiakalani Media
Kamehameha Schools
Habitat for Humanity Maui
Catholic Church on Maui
West Maui Buddhist Council
Legal Aid Hawai‘i
University of Hawai‘i Maui College
County of Maui
Disaster Case Management Program
State Department of Human Services
State Office of Wellness and Resiliency
State Department of Health
COFA Community
Na ‘Aikane O Maui
Boys and Girls Club Maui
Lahaina United Methodist Church
Grace Bible Church
Pacific Health Ministry
Global Empowerment Mission
Maui YMCA
Maui Economic Opportunity
Maui Housing Hui
Hawaiian Philanthropy
Roman Catholic Church State of Hawaiʻi
United Church of Christ
Aloha House
Family Promise Hawaiʻi
Family Life Center
Pacific Gateway Center
Maui Rapid Response
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Samaritan’s Purse
Mennonite Disaster Assistance
Hope Worldwide
Episcopal Hawaiʻi
Convoy of Hope
Operation Hope
Kanaka Construction
Montalvo Construction
All Hands and Heart
Trussy Systems Hawaiʻi
Maui Plumbing
American Red Cross
HIEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison
FEMA Voluntary Agency Liaison
Disaster Leadership Team (DLT)
Small Business Administration
United Policyholders

LTRG is currently in the final stages of obtaining its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to further enhance its ability to serve the community.
Job Opportunities at LTRG:

LTRG is seeking qualified applicants for two key positions: executive director and resources management coordinator. These roles will be instrumental in overseeing and coordinating ongoing recovery services.

Nestor Ugale Jr., a member of LTRG’s Executive Committee, emphasized the significance of these hires, stating, “It is crucial that we find individuals who are committed to helping Maui’s residents recover. We are looking for people with a servant heart who are ready to face the challenges ahead to support the community.” For more information on job openings, visit mauilongtermrecovery.org/careers.