CWU community encouraged to donate to Maui wildfire victims

As the island of Maui continues to suffer from this week's devastating wildfire, the CWU community's thoughts are with our students, graduates, friends, and family members whose lives have been affected by the ongoing catastrophe.

Wednesday's wind-swept wildfire claimed at least 36 lives and destroyed more than 270 homes in the town of Lahaina and across Maui County. Lahaina is the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and is also home to King Kamehameha's palace and other Hawaiian royalty throughout history. Sadly, the beloved Lahaina business district has been reduced to ash.

Members of the CWU community are encouraged to contribute to the Maui Strong relief fund that the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) has set up to aid communities impacted by the fire. HCF invests charitable funds in communities across the state, primarily through nonprofit organizations and supply scholarships for many students across the state.

"This (fire) has greatly affected the state and could impact students of the university who are returning in the fall," CWU graduate Mitchell Hirose said in an email. Hirose is a former CWU rugby player and a native of Maui, who noted that a number of other recent Central graduates grew up on the island.

Together, we can make a difference for our fellow Wildcats and for all the people of Maui as they begin the long process toward recovery. Any help you can offer is appreciated.