HONOLULU — A new fundraiser was launched Friday, Aug. 18, to establish an emergency fund for Maui County first responders, including Firefighters, Lifeguards, and Emergency Medical Technicians directly impacted by the Maui wildfires. Over 20 affected first responders have lost their homes to the fire.

“Some of these selfless heroes lost everything while they were out there doing their jobs,” said Ikaika Blackburn from the Maui Firefighter’s Relief Association. “I’m hoping the public will join us in supporting these men and women who are still standing on the frontlines every day for the safety of our communities, despite being affected themselves.”

‘Āina Momona, a Honolulu-based, grassroots nonprofit organization, began fundraising through its website on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, and has collected over 25,000 contributions from individuals worldwide. The organization recently announced the distribution of over $1.25 million for relief efforts.

The Maui County First Responder Relief Fund will partner with Maui agencies to distribute the funds to verified first responders to assist them with temporary housing, medical expenses, and replacement of lost items.

“This is where we as a community can make the most impact,” said Trisha Kehaulani Watson-Sproat, ‘Āina Momona vice president. “We are identifying individual families experiencing an indescribable loss and finding a way to get resources directly into their hands. Our fundraising efforts center around that mission, and we couldn’t be prouder to work with the Maui Firefighter’s Relief Association on this effort.

For more information or to donate to the Maui County First Responder Relief Fund, visit www.kaainamomona.org/maui.