Maui is Strong and Also Needs Your Help

A large part of the mindset toolbox is dedicated to thoughtful, accurate, and measured use of the language. One of the biggest and most chronic offenses surrounds the word “need.” We banter it about anytime we want something from others, “I need that report today.” which often triggers a stress response in the recipient. And it’s just not truthful.Needs are confused with Wants all the time. Needs are essential, often for life-saving purposes. Wants are desires that will enhance the requester’s position in life. We could minimize so much stress on others by clarifying our use of the words.

Maui Needs Help

By now you have heard about the devastation in Maui, where I lived for over seven years and visited many times before. Each day we learn more tragic news, which is also an opportunity for those of us not there to find new ways to support the Maui ‘ohana (family).

Why have wealth if not to share it with those in need?

I’m providing several verified links below for you to choose from, many run by personal friends of mine. We used to think that Maui had more nonprofits per capita than anywhere because virtually everyone started one, served on one, or supported one! While you may think of it as a fabulous and magical vacationland (which IT IS!), it’s also the most community-minded place I have ever lived. The aloha that Maui people have shared with us is vast — direct and indirect. Even if you’ve never been, surely your life has been enhanced seeing stories and listening to music and receiving flowers and watching stunning sunrises and sunsets others have shared.Now it is our turn to give back, to appreciate especially the Native Hawaiians and poorly paid workforce who make the magic happen. Please find a place to donate, and then tomorrow or in a few days, find another place to receive your mana‘o (your spirit). It feels so good to give to those in need, that I hope you’ll join me and keep up the giving for a while. We have no idea how long it will take to re-home those who lost everything, both the people and their businesses. But we know that the 13,000 residents of Lahaina cannot do it alone.

Rainbow in Ha‘iku, Maui over the banana & avocado trees, from my yard

I am so grateful for your sharing and I encourage you to reply and tell me about it. I used to be reticent to ask for help, for myself OR even for others, as being independent-minded, I didn’t want to impose on my friends. But this is too big to be mismanaged by our neuroses. It’s time to ask for and give help when so much is needed right now. I know people who have lost their home, all their belongings — and the same for businesses. Let’s be proud to give and share our aloha back to Maui.

Now, Which Ones Call to You?

Hawaii Community FoundationThe big kahuna fundraiser that is coordinating both small and large donations.Maui Local Direct AidThis is run by someone I know personally, Kainoa Horcajo. They are able to give immediate aid to those who have nothing. I met Kainoa when he was the Hawaiian Cultural Adviser at the Andaz Maui Resort.GoFundMe AccountsThere are over 300, all safely vetted, by real people on Maui, again, for immediate aid. Just reading the stories will break your heart. Find a family you can relate to and want to help.Maui Humane SocietyOf course, there are many, many pets that have been affected, too!Lastly, I have one more rule to break:One positive thing social media taught us is the power of “Social Proof.” This is how we look at the actions of others to help guide our decisions and actions. When we see others successfully making a difference, it spurs others to join in.

So please do at least these two things:

1. Leave a comment and tell us where you donated. This is NOT bragging! This is accounting! It also gives me a wonderful chance to thank you personally and publicly.
2. Share this post with as many people and in as many places as you can. We are all in this for Maui, right now, and that’s what truly matters.

   Please be Maui Strong and Share These Donation Links with your friends and family. Mahalo nui!

I leave you with the music of Hawaiian singer, Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole: