Maui, Hawaiʻi – October 22, 2024 – A coalition of dedicated community leaders proudly announces the formation of the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG), 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. For more information, visit www.mauilongtermrecovery.org. 

The LTRG’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. LTRG’s programs provide this essential support, ensuring that individuals can access the resources and guidance they need to rebuild their homes and lives.

LTRG’s Key Areas of Support:

1. Rebuild Navigator Program
In collaboration with Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL), the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), and the County of Maui, the LTRG’s 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 (CNHA), 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

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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.

Media Contact:
Rhonda Alexander-Monkres LTRG Board Vice Chair Long Term Recovery Hawaiʻi Wildfires, Deputy Director, American Red Cross Email: rhonda@mauilongtermrecovery.org