In a recent meeting of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) held on August 7, trustees gathered to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires in Lahaina. The meeting commenced with a prayer reflecting the community's resilience and hope for the future, emphasizing the importance of support and service to those affected.

Trustee Kapohana provided an update on OHA's funding activities, revealing that 29 active grantees are currently providing services on Maui, with a total of $5.6 million allocated. Notably, the Kanaho relief grant fund, established for beneficiaries impacted by the fires, has disbursed 249 payments totaling $1.4 million. Additionally, OHA announced the release of the first of five digitized historic Lahaina collections on their Papakilo database, preserving vital cultural heritage despite the loss of many original documents in the fire.

Community member Pomaika'i Kaniao Pio Crozier shared insights into the challenges faced over the past year, particularly regarding water scarcity and the impact of the fires on local ecosystems. He highlighted the proactive measures taken by OHA and local organizations to support the community, including the establishment of distribution centers for food and essential supplies. Crozier emphasized the importance of culturally appropriate food, noting that traditional Hawaiian meals were prioritized over standard emergency rations.

The meeting also addressed the need for long-term recovery strategies, including the restoration of Lahaina and the replanting of native species. Crozier detailed efforts to gather native seeds for future restoration projects, underscoring the community's commitment to rebuilding sustainably and preserving their cultural identity.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative spirit of the Hawaiian community as they navigate the challenges of recovery and strive to honor their heritage while looking toward a hopeful future.