Mililani + Maui – United in Aloha: A Day of Lōkahi, Aug. 10 on Oʻahu

In partnership with Aloha United Way (AUW), Town Center of Mililani on Oʻahu hosts Mililani + Maui – United in Aloha: A Day of Lōkahi on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. The community can gather to mark the one-year commemoration of the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui, the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaiʻi’s history. The center aims to honor the memory of this solemn day and acknowledge the resilience and unity of those affected. The day’s lineup will include donation collections, community resources, keiki activities and cultural entertainment. 

Aloha United Way and various partners will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect donations, provide community resources and extend keiki activities.

AUW will collect donations for the AUW Maui Fire Relief Fund, which includes vetted/partnered agencies on Maui that directly support those affected by the wildfires: Every dollar donated will go to support ongoing needs on Maui.

In addition to cash and gas card donations, a wish list of in-kind donations includes air conditioners, cooking utensils, flatware, dishware, cookware, cups and mugs, bottle and can openers, sink water filters and kitchen towels.

Entertainment at noon features a special performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Cultural entertainment from 5 – 7 p.m. includes:

• Asian Lion Dance Team at 5 p.m.
• Ryugen Taiko at 5:25 p.m.
• HereTama Nui at 6 p.m.

The 2023 Maui wildfire ranks among the deadliest US wildfires on record since 1871. According to the Aloha United Way, over 2,000 Lahaina structures and 19 homes burned in Kula in the August 2023 wildfires, displacing thousands of residents. Since then, more than 30 building permits have been issued to begin the rebuilding process. Maui residents displaced by the August wildfires live with family and friends, in state-sponsored interim housing in several locations, and modular homes provided by the private sector worldwide. Many residents are in temporary housing provided by FEMA’s Direct Lease program that ends after 18 months or February 2025. 

“We hope that our gathering gives the community a place to come together and embrace hope for a brighter future for all,” said Town Center of Mililani Regional General Manager Shelley Morisaki. “As we partner with AUW to help raise funds for the ongoing needs of Maui, we will send positive thoughts and vibes to everyone on the Valley Isle throughout the day, which will be filled with activities, music and Aloha.”

Visit towncenterofmililani.com for complete details.