In the wake of the devastating Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023, Hawai‘i’s Rotary District 5000 has once again proven its dedication to community service and disaster recovery. With a legacy spanning over a century, the district, which comprises 53 clubs and more than 1,500 members across the Hawaiian Islands, has mobilized to make a substantial impact through the Maui Fires Relief Fund – through the Hawai‘i Rotary District 5000 Foundation (a 501(c)(3) non-profit).
Under the leadership of District Governor Mark Merriam, the fund was established to support the immediate and long-term recovery efforts on Maui. Thanks to the generosity of Rotary members worldwide, the nine Rotary Clubs on Maui have been at the forefront of recovery efforts, providing essential services and support to affected communities. This includes the initial deployment of StarLink systems for communication, distribution of gift cards for gasoline, food, pharmaceuticals, and hardware, and financial assistance for the replacement of tools lost in the fires.
Furthering their commitment, the Hawai‘i Rotary District 5000 Foundation has also funded critical mental health staffing, music therapy, and healthcare services for children, alongside tangible support at Pu‘uhonua o‘Nene shelter with food services, irrigation systems, and construction aid.
A significant part of these efforts includes supporting Ohana Hope Village, which faced needs for storage batteries to sustain the electricity requirements of its units. In response, the Hawai‘i Rotary District 5000 Foundation has committed $44,000 to purchase 8 Tesla PowerWalls. The Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise has also committed to generously supplemented this effort with the donation of several additional units.
“Our mission at Rotary is ‘Service Above Self,’ and we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting our ohana on Maui as they recover and heal from this tragedy,” stated District 5000 Foundation President Dave Hamil. “This contribution to Ohana Hope Village is just one of the many ways we are helping to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.”
