ARTICLE
August 8, 2024, marks the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. On this day in 2023, wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and ravaged about two dozen homes in Upcountry neighborhoods. At least 102 Lahaina residents were killed in the infernal, the deadliest of its kind in more than a century. Two more residents are believed to be missing. Many were forced to run for their lives, some jumping into the ocean as the only escape with vehicular traffic clogging the main roads of the historic town. Over 12,000 residents lost everything – homes, businesses, and family – and left Lahaina and its people forever changed. Out of the incomprehensible tragedy credit unions came through with strength and determination. From the beginning of the disaster and continuing on to this day, the people-helping-people philosophy that drives the credit union movement is lighting the way. In the aftermath of the disaster, The Maui Wildfire Relief Fund was quickly established and donations came in from people across the state and the nation. Currently, $1,472,098, has been raised. In the days and weeks after the fire, these funds were used for immediate needs, such as food, water, 300 gift cards ($50 each), gas gift cards, and financial support for emergency burn and respiratory aid. The funds were also used to purchase 150 cases of bottled water for Upcountry residents. The Maui Wildfire Fund included a $ 1 million grant from FHLB for housing needs, which will be disbursed soon. On December 14, 2023, the Credit Unions of Maui & Lanai presented $50,000 to the J. Walter Cameron Center on behalf of the Credit Unions of Maui Wildfire Relief Fund. The donation supports Cameron Center’s Laptop Relief Program which distributes personal computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to wildfire survivors who lost their homes. The program has distributed hundreds of devices to those in need. Five Lahainaluna High School seniors were given $2,000 each from the Credit Unions of Maui’s Wildfire Scholarship program. This set of scholarships was a big boost for Lahainaluna seniors whose families were impacted by the wildfires. Scholarships will also be awarded to Lahainaluna’s senior class of 2025. Maui Wildfire Relief Fund monies went to help the Makana No Ka Keiki Christmas event for Lahaina children and to aid in the recovery of the town’s historical buildings. “It never ceases to amaze us how the credit union community and stakeholders immediately rallied together to provide monetary donations, manpower, and unwavering support to those directly impacted by the fires,” Maui FCU President/CEO Clayton Fuchigami reflected. “The Hawaii Credit Union League Board's leadership was particularly pivotal, as they spearheaded the initial funding for the Maui Wildfire Relief Fund. We received donations from people, credit unions, business partners/stakeholders, and organizations from across the United States.” Fuchigami reflected on the toll the disaster continues to take on Lahaina’s people and the environment. “I can't even begin to fathom or fully express the depth of my grief for those who lost loved ones, homes, and lifelong personal possessions. The recovery process, with all its complexities especially the environmental ones, is enduring and profound.” Fuchigami explained though the recovery process is grueling, some headway has been made with providing shelter for residents who were displaced, including temporary housing using accessory dwelling units and the local government is considering a ban short term vacation rentals to open up long term rentals for residents. Credit unions step in to aid members and the community Valley Isle Community FCU provided 41 $1,000 Emergency Loans with no Interest totaling $41,000. The credit union offered 111 consumer and mortgage loan extensions up to 90 days with no questions asked totaling $1.6 million in loan balances. Members who lost their homes could continue to draw off home equity lines of credit. Two employees and a volunteer were directly impacted by the wildfires. While all three were safely evacuated and the employees relocated to temporary housing, the volunteer did not have potable water for over a month. The three received monetary donations from co-workers and other credit unions nationwide, and grants from other non-profit organizations and disaster relief initiatives. A GoFundMe account was created for them. The credit union also partnered with American Airlines Credit Union to bring in much needed supplies and provided 32 care packages for local first responders who lost their homes in the wildfires Maui FCU worked closely with families who had mortgages with the credit union and lost their homes in the Lahaina wildfire. Initially, the credit union offered to defer mortgage payments without accruing interest for the first 90 days. Following this period, members were given extensions on a deferral basis. Once the insurance company issued the settlement claim checks, instead of parking the money and offering a low rate of return like some lenders, Maui FCU allowed members’ money to earn its highest CD rate until they are ready to rebuild. The credit union will waive mortgage points for existing borrowers who lost their homes to the fire if they choose to make a new mortgage loan with Maui FCU. In addition, Maui FCU offered emergency relief loans, reduced rate loans, consumer loan deferrals, waived certain fees, and waived early withdrawal CD penalties to members impacted by the fire. As president and CEO of the $430 million-asset Maui County FCU, Gary Fukuroku rolled out a disaster relief fund for cash donations while simultaneously designating credit union branches in Wailuku and Kahului as drop-off points for necessities such as clothing and food. Members affected by the wildfires also had access to low-interest personal loans for up to $50,000 and deferred payments for up to one year. He noted today that housing and finances are top priorities. Miraculously, Maui County FCU’s Lahaina branch escaped major damage, however, it was in a disaster zone and the credit union set up a temporary branch in neighboring Kaanapali. All the credit union’s Lahaina based staff were safe and accounted for, however several lost their homes in the wildfire. Affected employees were each given five weeks off from work to ensure their personal needs were met and that they were ready to return to work. “Our employees seem to be doing okay and most have found temporary housing, but it’s been hard,” Fukuroku shared. “One employee’s children have since moved to Las Vegas; others are still traumatized by the whole disaster.” While recovery efforts have been moving slowly, the mental health and welfare of the community is on the forefront, said Fukuroku. He called Lahaina a truly special place and to see the community come together has been inspiring. He also noted the support that came from all over the country both financially and spiritually was very much appreciated. View video “The credit union community has been so supportive and it shows the people helping people philosophy is alive and well!” Lahaina was Fukuroku’s hometown and the wildfire destruction was deeply personal. “Looking back and reflecting on that day, just to see the many lives lost (about 30% were our members) and to see my hometown destroyed leaves me sad and also angry. Could it have been prevented? Who is responsible? The answers will eventually come out. In the meantime, the work of recovery goes on.” Fukuroku said the County of Maui just recently opened Honoapiilani Highway to the public but there is still no access to historic Front Street. Also recently closed was access to Lahainaluna Road since there may be structural damage to the town's iconic smokestack, which is right next to Maui County FCU’s Lahaina branch. “Just another hurdle we have to deal with. Our goal is to re-open our original Lahaina location within a year but it will depend on what external factors may happen. It’ll be a long road back but Maui Strong will prevail. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Lahaina will not either!!” Three Oahu credit unions partnered to support the Maui community in the aftermath of the wildfires. From August 21 to September 1, 2023, Aloha Pacific, HawaiiUSA, and Hawaiian Financial FCUs accepted donations of essential goods and supplies at select Oahu branches. Hawaii State FCU offered emergency financial assistance to members affected by Maui wildfires through loan deferrals, low-rate personal loans, and fee waivers. The credit union, which has two locations on Maui, has also launched a virtual fundraiser to encourage donations to the Maui Food Bank from its employees, members, and the public. HawaiiUSA FCU established the Maui Fire Relief Fund. The credit union far exceeded its original goal of $100,000.00 by raising $156,073.87 in donations. With HawaiiUSA FCU’s $50,000 contribution, a total of $206,073.87 will be donated to The Maui Strong Fund, administered by the Hawaii Community Foundation. HawaiiUSA FCU also donated $50,000.00 to the Maui Wildfire Relief Fund for relief and recovery efforts of Maui credit unions and donated 200,000 Hawaiian Miles to support those affected by the Maui wildfires. Honolulu Federal Credit Union (HOCU) raised $15,000 in support of Maui Food Bank and their wildfire relief efforts. This generous contribution reflects HOCU’s unwavering commitment to helping local communities in times of crisis. HOCU rallied its employees to contribute and members donated online through HOCU’s website or in-person at any branch. Member One Federal Credit Union (Roanoke, Virginia) donated $5,000 to the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) CUAid disaster relief program, which is working with the Hawaii Credit Union League on disaster relief efforts on Maui. The Foundation’s CUAid disaster relief program is the ‘People Helping People’ philosophy in action — every penny donated to CUAid goes directly to credit union volunteers and employees affected by natural disasters. On August 25, SAFE FCU (Sumter, South Carolina) launched a four-day donation drive, encouraging both employees and members to give any way they could. Through a combination of online contributions, in-branch donations, and the generosity of its dedicated employees, the credit union raised $20,000. The road ahead is arduous, but credit unions are in it for the long run In addition to myriad financial assistance programs, Maui credit unions are now offering free notary services to residents pursuing wildfire claims under the Maui Wildfire Compensation Program. Judge Ronald Ibarra, former Chief Justice of Hawaii’s Third Circuit Court, requested Maui credit unions offer free notary service to claimants whether they were credit union members or not. Ibarra is administrator of the One Ohana Fund, which was created at the request of Governor Josh Green, to provide expedited compensation to families who lost loved ones in the Maui fires and those who suffered serious personal injuries. At the one year anniversary of the wildfires and beyond the Credit Unions of Maui continue to keep fundraising efforts going. Rebuilding the community after the fires will be an ongoing effort for years to come. As Lahaina continues to rebuild, the Credit Unions of Maui remain committed to funding projects that support the affected community and its people. This ongoing effort is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.
August 8, 2024, marks the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. On this day in 2023, wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and ravaged about two dozen homes in Upcountry neighborhoods. At least 102 Lahaina residents were killed in the infernal, the deadliest of its kind in more than a century. Two more residents are believed to be missing. Many were forced to run for their lives, some jumping into the ocean as the only escape with vehicular traffic clogging the main roads of the historic town.
Over 12,000 residents lost everything – homes, businesses, and family – and left Lahaina and its people forever changed. Out of the incomprehensible tragedy credit unions came through with strength and determination. From the beginning of the disaster and continuing on to this day, the people-helping-people philosophy that drives the credit union movement is lighting the way.
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Maui Wildfire Relief Fund was quickly established and donations came in from people across the state and the nation. Currently, $1,472,098, has been raised. In the days and weeks after the fire, these funds were used for immediate needs, such as food, water, 300 gift cards ($50 each), gas gift cards, and financial support for emergency burn and respiratory aid. The funds were also used to purchase 150 cases of bottled water for Upcountry residents. The Maui Wildfire Fund included a $ 1 million grant from FHLB for housing needs, which will be disbursed soon.
On December 14, 2023, the Credit Unions of Maui & Lanai presented $50,000 to the J. Walter Cameron Center on behalf of the Credit Unions of Maui Wildfire Relief Fund. The donation supports Cameron Center’s Laptop Relief Program which distributes personal computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to wildfire survivors who lost their homes. The program has distributed hundreds of devices to those in need.
Five Lahainaluna High School seniors were given $2,000 each from the Credit Unions of Maui’s Wildfire Scholarship program. This set of scholarships was a big boost for Lahainaluna seniors whose families were impacted by the wildfires. Scholarships will also be awarded to Lahainaluna’s senior class of 2025.
Maui Wildfire Relief Fund monies went to help the Makana No Ka Keiki Christmas event for Lahaina children and to aid in the recovery of the town’s historical buildings.
“It never ceases to amaze us how the credit union community and stakeholders immediately rallied together to provide monetary donations, manpower, and unwavering support to those directly impacted by the fires,” Maui FCU President/CEO Clayton Fuchigami reflected.
“The Hawaii Credit Union League Board's leadership was particularly pivotal, as they spearheaded the initial funding for the Maui Wildfire Relief Fund. We received donations from people, credit unions, business partners/stakeholders, and organizations from across the United States.”
Fuchigami reflected on the toll the disaster continues to take on Lahaina’s people and the environment.
“I can't even begin to fathom or fully express the depth of my grief for those who lost loved ones, homes, and lifelong personal possessions. The recovery process, with all its complexities especially the environmental ones, is enduring and profound.”
Fuchigami explained though the recovery process is grueling, some headway has been made with providing shelter for residents who were displaced, including temporary housing using accessory dwelling units and the local government is considering a ban short term vacation rentals to open up long term rentals for residents.
Credit unions step in to aid members and the community
Valley Isle Community FCU provided 41 $1,000 Emergency Loans with no Interest totaling $41,000. The credit union offered 111 consumer and mortgage loan extensions up to 90 days with no questions asked totaling $1.6 million in loan balances. Members who lost their homes could continue to draw off home equity lines of credit. Two employees and a volunteer were directly impacted by the wildfires. While all three were safely evacuated and the employees relocated to temporary housing, the volunteer did not have potable water for over a month. The three received monetary donations from co-workers and other credit unions nationwide, and grants from other non-profit organizations and disaster relief initiatives. A GoFundMe account was created for them. The credit union also partnered with American Airlines Credit Union to bring in much needed supplies and provided 32 care packages for local first responders who lost their homes in the wildfires
Maui FCU worked closely with families who had mortgages with the credit union and lost their homes in the Lahaina wildfire. Initially, the credit union offered to defer mortgage payments without accruing interest for the first 90 days. Following this period, members were given extensions on a deferral basis. Once the insurance company issued the settlement claim checks, instead of parking the money and offering a low rate of return like some lenders, Maui FCU allowed members’ money to earn its highest CD rate until they are ready to rebuild. The credit union will waive mortgage points for existing borrowers who lost their homes to the fire if they choose to make a new mortgage loan with Maui FCU. In addition, Maui FCU offered emergency relief loans, reduced rate loans, consumer loan deferrals, waived certain fees, and waived early withdrawal CD penalties to members impacted by the fire.
As president and CEO of the $430 million-asset Maui County FCU, Gary Fukuroku rolled out a disaster relief fund for cash donations while simultaneously designating credit union branches in Wailuku and Kahului as drop-off points for necessities such as clothing and food. Members affected by the wildfires also had access to low-interest personal loans for up to $50,000 and deferred payments for up to one year. He noted today that housing and finances are top priorities.
Miraculously, Maui County FCU’s Lahaina branch escaped major damage, however, it was in a disaster zone and the credit union set up a temporary branch in neighboring Kaanapali. All the credit union’s Lahaina based staff were safe and accounted for, however several lost their homes in the wildfire. Affected employees were each given five weeks off from work to ensure their personal needs were met and that they were ready to return to work.
“Our employees seem to be doing okay and most have found temporary housing, but it’s been hard,” Fukuroku shared. “One employee’s children have since moved to Las Vegas; others are still traumatized by the whole disaster.”
While recovery efforts have been moving slowly, the mental health and welfare of the community is on the forefront, said Fukuroku.
He called Lahaina a truly special place and to see the community come together has been inspiring. He also noted the support that came from all over the country both financially and spiritually was very much appreciated.
View video
“The credit union community has been so supportive and it shows the people helping people philosophy is alive and well!”
Lahaina was Fukuroku’s hometown and the wildfire destruction was deeply personal.
“Looking back and reflecting on that day, just to see the many lives lost (about 30% were our members) and to see my hometown destroyed leaves me sad and also angry. Could it have been prevented? Who is responsible? The answers will eventually come out. In the meantime, the work of recovery goes on.”
Fukuroku said the County of Maui just recently opened Honoapiilani Highway to the public but there is still no access to historic Front Street. Also recently closed was access to Lahainaluna Road since there may be structural damage to the town's iconic smokestack, which is right next to Maui County FCU’s Lahaina branch.
“Just another hurdle we have to deal with. Our goal is to re-open our original Lahaina location within a year but it will depend on what external factors may happen. It’ll be a long road back but Maui Strong will prevail. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and Lahaina will not either!!”
Three Oahu credit unions partnered to support the Maui community in the aftermath of the wildfires. From August 21 to September 1, 2023, Aloha Pacific, HawaiiUSA, and Hawaiian Financial FCUs accepted donations of essential goods and supplies at select Oahu branches.
Hawaii State FCU offered emergency financial assistance to members affected by Maui wildfires through loan deferrals, low-rate personal loans, and fee waivers. The credit union, which has two locations on Maui, has also launched a virtual fundraiser to encourage donations to the Maui Food Bank from its employees, members, and the public.
HawaiiUSA FCU established the Maui Fire Relief Fund. The credit union far exceeded its original goal of $100,000.00 by raising $156,073.87 in donations. With HawaiiUSA FCU’s $50,000 contribution, a total of $206,073.87 will be donated to The Maui Strong Fund, administered by the Hawaii Community Foundation. HawaiiUSA FCU also donated $50,000.00 to the Maui Wildfire Relief Fund for relief and recovery efforts of Maui credit unions and donated 200,000 Hawaiian Miles to support those affected by the Maui wildfires.
Honolulu Federal Credit Union (HOCU) raised $15,000 in support of Maui Food Bank and their wildfire relief efforts. This generous contribution reflects HOCU’s unwavering commitment to helping local communities in times of crisis. HOCU rallied its employees to contribute and members donated online through HOCU’s website or in-person at any branch.
Member One Federal Credit Union (Roanoke, Virginia) donated $5,000 to the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) CUAid disaster relief program, which is working with the Hawaii Credit Union League on disaster relief efforts on Maui. The Foundation’s CUAid disaster relief program is the ‘People Helping People’ philosophy in action — every penny donated to CUAid goes directly to credit union volunteers and employees affected by natural disasters.
On August 25, SAFE FCU (Sumter, South Carolina) launched a four-day donation drive, encouraging both employees and members to give any way they could. Through a combination of online contributions, in-branch donations, and the generosity of its dedicated employees, the credit union raised $20,000.
The road ahead is arduous, but credit unions are in it for the long run
In addition to myriad financial assistance programs, Maui credit unions are now offering free notary services to residents pursuing wildfire claims under the Maui Wildfire Compensation Program. Judge Ronald Ibarra, former Chief Justice of Hawaii’s Third Circuit Court, requested Maui credit unions offer free notary service to claimants whether they were credit union members or not. Ibarra is administrator of the One Ohana Fund, which was created at the request of Governor Josh Green, to provide expedited compensation to families who lost loved ones in the Maui fires and those who suffered serious personal injuries.
At the one year anniversary of the wildfires and beyond the Credit Unions of Maui continue to keep fundraising efforts going. Rebuilding the community after the fires will be an ongoing effort for years to come. As Lahaina continues to rebuild, the Credit Unions of Maui remain committed to funding projects that support the affected community and its people. This ongoing effort is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.