From left, Head Professional Steve Sanchez (PGA), Army Veteran George Berringer of Pennsylvania, Letty Dominguez of Kapalua Golf, Army Veteran Bob Ota of Wailuku and Kapalua Golf’s Mike Gilligan celebrate “Patriot Golf Day.”

KAPALUA – In the wake of Hurricane Lane and last month’s West Maui brush fires that burned more than 2,000 acres and damaged or destroyed residential structures and vehicles, Kapalua Golf & Tennis is supporting associates and the West Maui community through financial aid and fundraising efforts.

Full- and part-time Kapalua Golf & Tennis associates affected by the hurricane and brush fires will receive additional money in their next paychecks, while Kapalua Golf will donate a portion of golf green fees from both the Bay and Plantation golf courses throughout the month of September to West Maui relief efforts.

On the evening of Friday, Aug. 24, approximately 20 Kapalua Golf & Tennis associates were among the hundreds of area residents forced to evacuate their homes as flames fueled by winds from then approaching Hurricane Lane moved closer to neighborhoods.

More than 20 residential structures and 27 vehicles were destroyed by the brush fires, while neighborhoods in the area lost power for days, causing many residents to lose refrigerated and frozen perishable food items.

“Kapalua Golf & Tennis ownership and Troon Golf are a large part of the West Maui community. In difficult times such as these, it’s important to support our associates and this wonderful community,” said Alex Nakajima, general manager, Kapalua Golf & Tennis.

“We realize financial aid to our associates or cash donations to relief efforts cannot lessen the horrible ordeal that so many experienced, but hopefully it will make life a little bit easier over the next several weeks.”

In related news, Kapalua Golf Courses hosted U.S. Armed Services veterans and retired and active military for “Patriot Golf Day” over the Labor Day weekend.

Kapalua Golf offered complimentary golf on both courses for retired, active and disabled military during the 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. time frame.

More than 40 rounds were hosted for military at both the Bay and Plantation Course.

Additionally, a fundraiser on the par three 12th hole of The Bay Course raised $690 for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of service members disabled or killed as a result of their military service.

Special recognition goes to Veteran Bob Murray, who won the drawing for the free round of golf at The Bay Course. He was a Navy Seaman E3 and served on the US Navy Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Midway.

For more information on Kapalua Golf, call (808) 669-8044 or visit www.golfatkapalua.com.