The Hoʻūlu Lahaina Unity Gathering extends a call to the State of Hawaii and the world, urging them to support Lahaina's progress and recovery. It is an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate solidarity and contribute to the well-being of the Lahaina community. PHOTO BY LELE ALOHA.

LAHAINA — Lele Aloha, a nonprofit organization founded by Archie Kalepa in the

aftermath of the devastating Lahaina fires, is proud to announce the upcoming unity gathering for Maui in January.

The Hoʻūlu Lahaina Unity Gathering aims to bring the community together in a show of support for those affected by the fires.

Lahaina resident Kalepa expressed the importance of this event, stating, “We need to come together all of Hawaiʻi. We have the opportunity to rebuild Lahaina in a pono way. Lahaina will take the lead, but we need everyone’s support.”

Kalepa is also calling all of the waʻa (canoe) community across Hawaiʻi to join this effort.

The Hoʻūlu Lahaina Unity Gathering will include a Unity Walk that will give participants an opportunity to come together and contribute to the collective healing and Lahaina recovery process.

Registration for the Hoʻūlu Lahaina Unity Gathering is now open at www.lelealoha.org, where interested participants can find updates and logistics information provided by the organizers.

The Unity Walk will commence promptly at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, starting at the Lahaina Bypass above Keawe Street and concluding at Launiupoko Beach.

Following the Unity Walk, there will be a family-friendly program and lunch at Launiupoko Beach to foster a sense of community and togetherness. This aligns with Lele Aloha’s mission to honor Hawaiʻi’s rich genealogy for ʻohana, to love and protect our natural resources, and community regeneration beginning with Lahaina.

Lele Aloha is an operating foundation 501(c)(3) in the State of Hawaii, established with the purpose of supporting a thriving Hawaii through community regeneration.

Their mission is to honor Hawaii’s rich genealogy for ʻohana; protect land, ocean, and water resources; and build healthy communities, beginning with Lahaina. For more information, visit www.lelealoha.org.