How to help those impacted by the Hawaii floods
Hawaii communities are digging out from the state’s worst flooding in more than 20 years, and aid groups are rushing to support them by raising money statewide
By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRAAs communities across Hawaii dig out from destruction caused by the , nonprofits, mutual aid networks and foundations are collecting donations to support households, farmers and animals .
Two Kona low winter storm systems roughly a week apart , damaging farmers' crops, hundreds of homes, several schools and one hospital.
Damages from both storms could exceed $1 billion, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who has asked President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration to channel federal resources to the recovery effort.
“These storms have impacted every county in our state and stretched our emergency response capabilities,” Green said in a statement. “This request is about getting our communities the support they need to recover quickly and safely.”
Meanwhile, neighbors and aid groups are rallying to help affected households secure temporary housing, replace food, receive medical care and muck out debris-laden homes.
“So many families have been displaced, homes have been damaged, and communities are facing immediate needs,” said Hawaiian Council CEO Kuhio Lewis. "The path to recovery begins now -- it cannot wait.”
Here are some of the groups accepting financial support to help those impacted.
is accepting for its mutual aid work distributing supplies and financial aid to Oahu's North Shore families. The group is also organizing volunteers to help residents clean out homes and neighborhoods. North Shore-born musician Jack Johnson pointed those eager to help to the Lahui Foundation in an .
on Oahu has activated its to provide immediate assistance to individuals and families, and support nonprofit organizations working on the front lines. is helping communities on Maui and the smaller neighbor island of Molokai. is collecting to help households impacted on Big Island, and asks supporters to make a note in their donation that they want to support flood relief.
The , a nonprofit dedicated to Native Hawaiian advancement, launched the initiative to help residents with housing stability services, financial assistance, and other future needs. The council is matching up to $200,000 in donations.
The has activated its to deploy resources across the state for response, recovery and future resilience.
is using to deliver mutual aid to underserved communities on Maui and Molokai, including people who are homeless and areas that were temporarily cut off by flooding.
has created a for those impacted by the Hawaii floods.
is also keeping a for people directly affected, vetted by community members, according to the organization.
The on Oahu is responding in flooded areas and providing pet food and supplies to displaced families. They are accepting and are updating their as needs arise. is to support help remote communities like Hana, which was temporarily cut off from aid due to washed out roads, and the island of Molokai.
launched the to help farmers across the state recover, rebuild, and restore Hawaii’s local food system, according to the group. Estimated damages to farms statewide exceed $15 million so far, according to Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii.
and have set up mobile health units on Oahu's North Shore, working with partners like , which is helping distribute water purification supplies, antibiotics, insect repellant, tetanus shots and other needed medical items.
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