Community-based organizers across the island are stepping into leadership positions in every corner, things are getting more organized by the day, and the outpouring of support from the ohana of Kauai and across the world has been inspiring and overwhelming. A daily update and press release will be sent out every morning and posted to Malama Kauai’s Facebook group page, provided directly by leads in each community.
Volunteers are recommended to take action on the below needs, connect within their moku on the Malama Kauai Volunteers Facebook group, and follow updates provided on Malama Kauai’s Facebook page as well as those provided by their neighbors. The morning update will list contacts of the day.
As of this time the following are the updates from the ground as to the most important needs, and updates are being provided live as we are able. There is an immense amount of activity happening on the ground, so please stay posted for the best contacts and methods for your requests and be patient with response requests.
- Wainiha seems to have been hit the hardest and has been the most remote location to deliver supplies to. The community has been requesting air drops from government since Saturday and many boats and boating companies are supporting this mainly all-volunteer effort.
Places in Wainiha for families to do laundry are also needed; please stay tuned for updated information. Their wish list needs are extensive for clearing and rebuilding.
- In Haena, the community has organized a food pantry at YMCA Haena food pantry, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Breakfast and dinner is being served at Opakapaka at Hanalei Colony Resort in Haena every day.
Locations in Haena for families to do laundry are needed and being organized; point of contact will be identified and posted.
Any unused vacation rentals or others willing to help should reach out to a contact which will be identified soon.
- Hanalei has opened a communications center and organizing hub at Kokua Kauai Halelea Center. Many things are going on, including volunteer and service opportunities.
Volunteers should report to Hanalei Courthouse starting at 8 a.m. today, and wear rain boots and gloves. Limited supply on island.
Cleanup crews are also being deployed out to Wainiha and Haena. Volunteers for staffing are needed to distribute boots, and complete entry of needs assessment forms.
There is also an ongoing need for trucks to help families haul trash.
There is also a Waioli Huiia Church cleanup today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Boat transportation will be continuing, focusing on pickups from Hanalei Pavilion dock, bringing supplies to Wainiha at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. until air drops can be facilitated. Boats interested in helping in this effort today can check in at Hanalei Pavilion.
Hanalei Courthouse is serving dinners every day at 5 p.m.; 300-plus lunches to the workforce and community from Haena to Kalihiwai are being prepared and delivered every day.
ATVs, ATUs and mules are needed for Haena and Wainiha community teams assisting other families. There is a sign-up sheet for those interested in supplying equipment online or in-person at Hanalei Courthouse.
- Malama Kauai @ Anini is reorganizing their efforts and enhancing staffing. On Sunday afternoon, Malama Kauai relocated from the Anini boat dock hub to Secret Beach Organics for expanded operations to operate their communication offices and distribution hub with storage containers. They will reopen today, with public hours of noon to 4:30 p.m. for larger supply drop offs and deliveries, and 9 a.m. other. Volunteers are welcome to attend a morning piko and orientation at 8 a.m. if they would like to assist with various tasks throughout the day. More info will be announced.
- In Kalihiwai, the community has been executing cleanup efforts and helping those whose homes have been affected. Cleanup efforts continue on an ongoing basis and the community is taking time to reorganize, update and communicate current needs.
- In Kealia, people got together at Kealia Farms for a cleanup Sunday.
- Anahola is getting reorganized and will provide an update after Sunday’s workday at Kealia Farms. They are coordinating various details including food pantry site and supply drop-off sites, to be determined.
- In Koloa, several community efforts are taking place and a community-identified point of contact is still trying to be identified by our team.
- In Lihue, Ha Coffee will be open today as a town center hub for non-food supply drop-offs and pickups that can be re-routed north for distribution.
The Hawaii Food Bank warehouse is full for deployments of food to key leaders in the effective areas beginning today. They will begin accepting donations again 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Upcoming work parties are being posted on the Malama Kauai Volunteers Facebook group; please connect with each other and organize. We will keep putting the call out for help!
The community wants to share the deepest aloha for everyone’s kokua, donations, and resources. Monetary donations will be distributed to community groups as needed through Hawaii Community Foundation’s Kauai Disaster Relief Fund or made directly online at malamakauai.org.
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Megan Fox is executive director of Malama Kauai.
