Two Rotary Clubs provide funds to Nalu’s for hot meals program

Ron Panzo, owner of Nalu’s South Shore Grill, accepts checks in the amount of $15,000 for the hot meals program for fire survivors. At right in the image, pictured (from left) are Joanne and Larry Laird, officers in the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset; Wendy Hornack, assistant governor for Maui Coastal Rotary Clubs; and Panzo.
KIHEI — Using funds generated by the Rotary District 5,000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief effort and the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset presented checks in the amount of $15,000 to support the hot meals program provided by Nalu’s South Shore Grill.
Since the fires on Aug. 8, owner Ron Panzo closed Ekolu Kitchen 1279 for public dining. Starting Aug. 9, Panzo and Nalu’s have provided hot meals for first responders, hazmat personnel, and Lāhainā fire survivors.
Ron’s hot meals program has provided an average of 600 hot meals a week to two West Side community hubs. These meal preparations take place at the now closed Ekolu Kitchen 1279 located in South Maui. The meals are driven to the Lahaina Disaster Recovery Hubs, which is a 30-mile trip each way!
A proposal was presented and funded in the amount of $10,000 by the Rotary District 5,000 Foundation Fires Relief effort. Members of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise generated $5,000 for the hot meals program, which will continue until funds are depleted.
Projects like these are possible because of the immense support that has been made available from the Rotary District 5,000 Foundation’s Maui Fires Relief Fund. For those looking to learn more or support the effort, visit RotaryD5000.org/MauiRelief.