WAILUKU – Habitat for Humanity Maui is continuing to assist local residents with repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by fires and floods resulting from Hurricane Lane.

The nonprofit has received additional support toward the recovery effort with a $60,000 contribution from the Maui restaurant group Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu and a dine-in fundraiser.

“When we saw the effects of Hurricane Lane, there was no question. We had to do something to help,” said Tim Moore, co-owner of Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu.

“We connected with the staff at the Hawaii Community Foundation for some direction about giving for the greatest impact, and they recommended Habitat for Humanity Maui.”

Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu has given $50,000 from the Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu Community Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation to help with rebuilding and repairs for those affected by Hurricane Lane.

Old Lahaina Luau will give an additional $10,000 from the company’s private foundation to support Habitat’s upcoming Build-A-Thon.

Additionally, the restaurant group has designated Saturday, Oct. 13, as the official Hoaloha Cares fundraiser, when 20 percent of all sales from Old Lahaina Luau, Aloha Mixed Plate, Star Noodle and Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Maui’s Hurricane Lane recovery efforts.

“We invite the community, and visitors to the island, to support those in need while enjoying good food with us on October 13,” Moore said.

“But if you can’t make it to see us, consider giving directly to Habitat. They are making a significant difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors, and every little bit helps. The most important thing to us on Maui is that we help each other.”

“Nothing means more than community generosity at a time like this,” said Sherri K. Dodson, executive director at Habitat for Humanity Maui.

“We thank Na Hoaloha ‘Ekolu for their generosity, which is helping to place Maui families back into their homes safely and soundly.”

Habitat for Humanity Maui was incorporated in 1996 and officially became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1997.

To date, Habitat has built and renovated 118 houses on Maui and Lanai, providing safe and affordable homes for over 500 people in our local community.

Habitat Maui serves individuals and families earning between 25 and 80 percent of the median income of Maui County. Its mission is to build decent housing and to renovate substandard housing on Maui in partnership with community volunteers and potential homeowners, so that homelessness and substandard housing on Maui is eliminated.