Samaritan’s Purse Commended for Wildfire Assistance
County of Maui, Maui Land & Pineapple Company, West Maui residents gather in Kapalua to mahalo nonprofit’s volunteer efforts
December 21, 2023 / Kapalua, Hawaiʻi – The County of Maui, Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. (NYSE: MLP) and West Maui residents came together at the old Kapalua ball field behind Fleming Beach Tuesday evening for a lūʻau to mahalo Samaritan’s Purse volunteers for their time spent supporting Maui families following the devastating wildfires. More than 100 people attended, including 80 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers who were treated to traditional Hawaiian food, live music by Nuff Sedd lead singer Josh Kahula, and ti leaf lei handmade and donated by a group of community members. They received a blessing from Pomaika‘i Kaniaupio-Crozier when they arrived on island and another one during the event to show gratitude for their work on Maui. The volunteers were also presented with a certificate of recognition signed by Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, heard from Councilmember Gabe Johnson, and received a heartfelt appreciation from Leo Caires, the Chief of Staff on behalf of Mayor Richard Bissen and the County of Maui.
Representatives from the County of Maui, Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc., and West Maui residents gathered for a lūʻau to mahalo Samaritan’s Purse volunteers for assisting Maui families following the devastating wildfires.
Samaritan’s Purse, a national disaster relief organization, was one of several volunteer groups to mobilize and assist survivors in the days following the fires. So far, over 700 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers have helped more than 900 Lāhainā and Upcountry residents retrieve personal items from fire-damaged areas and clear debris from their properties. Since August, the nonprofit has spent almost 40,000 volunteer hours supporting the Maui community. While the organization only scheduled volunteers through December 20, they hope to continue assisting Maui families and residents throughout their recovery.
“A fire ran across our valleys and our ‘āina that threatened to change the spirit of our beautiful mokupuni (island) and our people,” said Leo Caires, Chief of Staff, County of Maui in remarks on behalf of Mayor Richard Bissen. “In the middle of all that, a bunch of angels arrived. Samaritan's Purse brought more than just resources and help. You have shown our community that kindness can travel far across the lands and that compassion can soar like birds across the oceans.”
“My cousin had to run for his life that day with nothing but the shirt on his back,” said Maui County Councilmember Gabe Johnson. “They told me how [Samaritan’s Purse] came out to help them sift through the rubble. That assistance has meant so much to all of us and your positive impact will be felt for generations.”
“I wish to extend my personal recognition and gratitude to Samaritan’s Purse and each of its volunteers for helping Maui and its people. Thank you for your service to our community.” stated the certificate from Hawai‘i Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke.
As part of its efforts to assist residents, Maui Land & Pineapple Company made space available for Samaritan’s Purse to establish a temporary facility in the Kapalua community.
“We extend our deepest thanks to Samaritan’s Purse for answering the call for kōkua (help) in Maui’s time of need,” said Race Randle, CEO of Maui Land & Pineapple Company. “Maui Land & Pineapple Company is committed to continuing work alongside groups like Samaritan’s Purse to support ongoing critical needs in hopes to restore stability for West Maui families.”
Media Kit (Courtesy of Maui Land & Pineapple, Inc.)
- Photos from the Samaritan’s Purse Mahalo Lūʻau
- Photos and Video from a Samaritan’s Purse blessing ceremony upon arrival to
