Maui community turns out for Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive; more donations needed Sunday

Maui County residents turned out Saturday to support communities on Hawaiʻi Island impacted by Hurricane Lala, with over 100 vehicles dropping off food, water and essential supplies during the first day of the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive in Kahului. Dozens of volunteers also came out to collect, sort and load donations throughout the day.

While the response has been significant, more donations are needed to help fill the 40-foot shipping container that will carry the supplies to Hawaiʻi Island. The County of Maui is asking the community to keep the donations coming when the drive continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.

“Mahalo to everyone who came through today with donations or gave their time to help,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “We had a great start, but we still need our community’s help. If you weren’t able to make it today, please come see us tomorrow. Bring what you can and help us fill this container with aloha from Maui. We know what it means when others show up for us in a time of need, and now it’s our turn to do the same.”

The drive will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center parking lot near the former Sears location, 275 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave.

Community members can drive through the donation area, where volunteers will be available to receive donations.

Requested items include:

• Bottled water
• Rice and canned foods, including canned meats, meals, fruits and vegetables
• Saimin, instant noodles, cereal, oatmeal and packaged snacks
• Peanut butter
• Shelf-stable milk and meal-replacement drinks
• Baby food, formula, diapers and wipes
• Pet food, bedding and supplies
• Tarps and towels
• Coolers
• Batteries
• Solar- or battery-powered lights
• Cell phone charging cords and power banks
• Only new items can be accepted. Perishable foods and clothing cannot be accepted.

Donations collected during the two-day drive will be distributed by nonprofit Food Basket Hawaiʻi to communities on Hawaiʻi Island impacted by Hurricane Lala. The supplies will be shipped by container with support from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

The Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive was organized as an opportunity for Maui County residents to return the generosity and aloha that communities throughout Hawaiʻi showed Maui following the August 2023 wildfires.

Assistance from the community is requested to help us fill the container Sunday. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference for our neighbors on Hawaiʻi Island.

For more information, contact the County of Maui Office of the Mayor Public Affairs section at public.affairs@mauicounty.gov or 808-270-7855.