Nearly a week after Hawaii’s devastating wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and killed at least 96 people, the need in Maui is still so great that when boats approach the western side of the island with donations, people run across the beach to welcome them.
It’s a sight Edgar Rodriguez appreciates – and understands. Rodriguez and his family lost their Lahaina home to the flames. In the days since, he has shepherded supplies to those who stayed behind in the closed portion of the island with the Pacific Whale Foundation, a marine conservation nonprofit.
The foundation sprung into action in the immediate aftermath of the fire, collecting donations for its workers who lost homes, and utilizing the boats they would normally use for tours, to deliver supplies to areas in need.
“It’s people helping people,” said Dayna Garland with the foundation. “We don’t know how to sit around and wait.”
As Hawaii continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, frustration at the government response to the deadliest wildfire in recent US history is mounting. Residents have raised questions over officials’ approach, from warnings during the inferno to aid distribution in the days since, and have argued that residents aren’t getting the help they need.
“I think people will continue to be upset. It’s a slow response,” said Jacquelyn Ingram with the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, which has been providing care and supplies to residents.
The needs are enormous. At least 96 people have died in the tragedy, though that number is expected to rise as recovery efforts speed up. More than 2,700 structures in Lahaina have been destroyed, the Hawaii governor, Josh Green, said on Sunday, with losses amounting to an estimated $5.6bn. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is overseeing the federal response and has 416 people on the ground.
The island, its residents and community groups have mobilized to fill the gaps. Boat tour companies are using vessels to make deliveries. A members-only air service is using its cargo hold to bring donations to the island. Around Lahaina, still-remaining residents have organized donation hubs where residents can come get the supplies being distributed in the area and receive medical care.
“Everybody is jumping in to do whatever it takes,” said Lisa Vogt with Roam Maui, the private air service that’s been transporting donations to the island.
The work is intensive. Those involved report working 16-hour days as they try to get the right supplies in the hands of the right people. Groups distributing goods have had trouble operating as cellphone and power services have been limited since the fire, making it more difficult to determine the needs, Vogt said.
“Communication has been a real challenge. There’s so many people without cellphone service,” she said.
But, she said, the community has leapt into action. “That’s the beauty of Maui,” she added as another flight landed, this one filled with medical supplies distributed by Direct Relief.
The California-based humanitarian nonprofit worked with local groups to bring requested items to the Island – PPE, insulin, nebulizers and hygiene items, among others. Upon landing, members immediately shuffled into vans to deliver medical supplies to distribution hubs in Lahaina, and wildfire kits for the local Maui search-and-Rescue group.
Their effort came together with the help of local volunteers: the owner of a car service who drove the group, a local man who wanted to ensure supplies got to the right places.
“I wanted to make sure it’s going to the people who need it,” said Felipe Hannel, a Maui resident.
Alberto Jesus, with Primo VIP car services, spent hours with workers from the nonprofit, driving them from place to place but declined when offered payment for the service.
“This comes from the heart,” he said.
Amid the disaster, seeing the community come together has been a bright spot for many, aide workers included.
“It’s hard seeing this,” said Chris Alleway with Direct Relief, referring to the destruction. “The bright side is seeing it bring people together, and the resilience of people.”
