On August 8, 2023, a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii. Affecting the islands of Maui and Hawaii, the wind-driven fires have prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and have led to numerous lives lost. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is closely monitoring the devastating wildfires across Hawaii and coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
The President declared a major disaster declaration for Maui County on August 10, 2023. This allows a number of federal programs to help government, individuals, and businesses respond and recover from the wildfires through FEMA and other agencies. That will certainly bring some relief to some, but not all impacted by the fires, as evacuations and firefighting are the priority before damage assessments can begin. We want to ensure we are doing all we can to support your efforts and those of impacted businesses in communities across the state.
How You Can Help Businesses Devastated by the Wildfires in Hawaii
Cash Donations
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Foundation is raising funds to rebuild impacted business communities on Maui, Hawaii Island, and throughout the state of Hawaii. This Business Relief Fund is dedicated to supporting businesses impacted by the fires. Donate today using this link.
Additional Donation Opportunities
Here is a list of organizations responding to the most immediate needs that you might also consider supporting:
- Airlink
- ALAN
- Aloha United Way
- American Red Cross
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA)
- Direct Relief
- Good360
- Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong
- Kokua for Maui – Hawaii Restaurant Association
- Maui Chamber of Commerce
- Maui Food Bank
- Salvation Army Hawaii
- UH Foundation
Note: Unsolicited donations of food and product are overwhelming local communities and negatively impacting critical relief operations. Please do not send unsolicited donations. Only provide in-kind donations of goods which have been requested and to an organization who can manage the donation.
Share Resources to Help Small Businesses
Disaster Help Desk for Business
Our Disaster Help Desk for Business is available at 1-888-MY-BIZ-HELP (888-692-4943) to provide businesses and chambers with direct support from disaster recovery experts. The Disaster Help Desk team has advised thousands of small businesses nationwide, and our team is here to help businesses recovery as quickly as possible and chart a path forward.
SABER
Share whether your business is open or closed through the SABER web and mobile app which is made available to emergency management officials to help assess impacts to the business community. Register todayhere.
Coordination Call: August 16, 2023
The U.S. Chamber Foundation hosted a coordination call on August 16 to hear from organizations that are directly impacted and actively responding to the catastrophic situation, including both the Hawaii and Maui Chambers of Commerce, FEMA, the American Red Cross, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism for the State of Hawaii. On the call, participants shared the current needs on the ground and how companies can help support the response and relief efforts.
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