December 9, 2024

Lend a hand to Lahaina this holiday season: Volunteer for “Clean-Up Kōkua” on Dec. 14th

Lahaina, HI Be part of the effort to support Lahaina’s ‘ohana this holiday season by volunteering for the Lahaina Clean-Up Kōkua on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Organized byAll Hands And Hearts (AHAH) and the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Ho‘ōla LTRG), this important event brings the community together to clear ineligible debris from fire-damaged properties, helping families prepare to rebuild their homes and lives.

The December 14th clean-up day offers two shifts, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Up to 100 volunteers are needed, 50 people per shift,  to lend their time and energy to this vital cause. 

When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 

Volunteer Shifts (Each Day):

To volunteer for the clean-up on Saturday, December 14, click here to sign up.

If you’re unavailable to volunteer on December 14, there are other recovery-related volunteer opportunities, including debris clean-up. For more information, visit www.mauilongtermrecovery.org/volunteer

According to (AHAH), 27 properties have been officially cleared, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteers. During the two Clean Up Kōkua days held in November, 65 individuals from around the world dedicated a combined 390 hours to supporting Lahaina property owners in their recovery. This remarkable effort is an inspiring way to kick off the holiday season, and organizers are looking forward to even greater participation in December to further expand the impact of this initiative.

“We want to express our heartfelt mahalo to everyone who has volunteered,” said Annie Alvelais, Program Director for AHAH. “As we approach the holidays, we invite more individuals to join us for our special volunteer event on December 14 to support Lahaina’s ‘ohana. Your time and effort mean more than clearing properties—it’s about uplifting families and offering them the priceless gift of hope and comfort as they prepare to rebuild.”

On December 14th, volunteers will assist with removing masonry walls, tree stumps, fencing, and vegetation—key steps to clearing and preparing properties for the rebuilding phase. This service, provided at no cost to homeowners, helps reduce financial and physical burdens for fire survivors.

Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes (steel-toed boots recommended), long pants, and sun protection. All necessary safety equipment will be provided onsite, though participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves, hard hats, or safety glasses if available. Drinking water will be available, but volunteers should bring a refillable water bottle and lunch.

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old; minors 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For other LTRG partner’s volunteer opportunities, sign up at www.mauilongtermrecovery.org/volunteer. If you have any questions, please email hawaiiresponse@allhandsandhearts.org

 

About the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Ho‘ōla LTRG):
The Ho‘ōla LTRG is dedicated to supporting Maui’s recovery and rebuilding efforts in the wake of the August 2023 wildfires. Comprised of local organizations, community leaders, and partners, Ho‘ōla LTRG works to provide resources, coordinate recovery efforts, and assist wildfire survivors in rebuilding their lives and homes. Through collaboration and community-driven initiatives, Ho‘ōla LTRG aims to ensure a resilient and sustainable future for Maui.

 

About All Hands And Hearts (AHAH):
AHAH is a volunteer-powered nonprofit dedicated to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of communities affected by disasters worldwide. With a focus on helping residents rebuild after life-altering events, the organization provides essential clean-up and rebuilding services free of charge to property owners. By working directly with homeowners, AHAH ensures that each project is guided by the community’s priorities and individual needs, reducing costs and empowering residents to begin again with renewed resilience and support.

Get support

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to get connected to the Disaster Case Management Program.