Hawaiʻi Community Foundation deploys $265,000 to support disaster response following Hurricane Lowell
The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation has deployed an additional $265,000 through its Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative to support disaster response efforts on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau following Hurricane Lowell.
“Our hearts are with the families, farmers, businesses, and communities on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau who are currently dealing with the impacts of Hurricane Lowell,” said Terry George, HCF CEO and President. “The frequency and severity of these storms are taking a toll across our island communities, which is why we are so grateful for the continued support of our Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative. Before, during and long after disasters strike, these flexible funds allow us to quickly mobilize resources to communities that need them most.”
Prior to the arrival of Hurricane Lowell, HCF awarded $22,000 in grants to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable families and households on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. The funds enabled Hawaiʻi Foodbank – Kauaʻi, Kākoʻo Lāhui, and Project Vision Hawaiʻi to deliver proactive preparedness outreach and rapidly procure and distribute essential food, supplies, and other life-sustaining resources ahead of the storm.
The additional funding announced today will aid disaster response efforts across Kauaʻi County by supporting the following local nonprofits:
- Aloha United Way ($20,000) to connect Kauaʻi residents with critical information, resources, and support through the 211 Hawaiʻi helpline in partnership with Kauaʻi United Way.
- Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi ($100,000) to strengthen food distribution efforts for communities across Kauaʻi, ensuring access to essential resources during ongoing power and communications disruptions.
- Kākoʻo Lāhui ($10,000) to establish a community-led hub in Wainiha providing essential supplies and basic needs for rural and isolated households, especially those with kūpuna.
- Kauaʻi Economic Development Board ($40,000) to coordinate the procurement and distribution of emergency resources and supplies across community organizations, including commercial ice, for communities across Kauaʻi impacted by Hurricane Lowell.
- Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank ($25,000) to coordinate food distribution and emergency resources, including water and meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), for communities across Kauaʻi.
- Mālama Kauaʻi ($50,000) to help farmers and ranchers across Kauaʻi recover by providing emergency resources and addressing losses to agricultural infrastructure, equipment, crops, and livestock.
- Salvation Army Hanapēpē Corp. ($10,000) to provide emergency meals and essential resources for residents near the Hanapēpē location.
- Salvation Army Līhuʻe Corps. ($10,000) to provide emergency meals and essential resources for residents near the Līhuʻe location.
“Disasters do not end when the storm passes,” said George. “The people of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are already demonstrating the resilience and care for one another that define these communities. By investing in trusted local organizations, we stand alongside those on the front lines, helping ensure residents have access to the assistance they need.”
The Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative supports disaster and emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience throughout the state. Designed for flexibility, the initiative allows HCF and its partners to mobilize resources quickly and respond to areas of greatest need as a crisis unfolds, while also supporting long-term recovery and community resilience. For more information, visit www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.
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