National Space Grant’s support towards the Lahaina (Maui) wildfire recovery efforts

On August 8, 2023, residents of Lahaina, Maui suffered a horrific wildfire that killed many people, destroyed buildings, and displaced remaining residents. The 2023 Maui fire ranks as one of the top 10 deadliest US wildfires and is the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaiʻi’s recorded history. The Maui tragedy reached national news and was discussed at a Space Grant ExCom meeting. Dr. Cass Runyon (SC) suggested collecting children’s books for Lahaina residents. As an educational network, all 52 Space Grant. Space Grant Consortia were called to lend support in the community by donating educational books for the families who lost their homes, schools and libraries.  An overwhelming collection of over 200 new books and supplies were collected at the Fall 2023 National Council of Space Grant Director’s Meeting hosted by the Hawai’i Space Grant Consortium (HSGC) at the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.  Boxes were shipped to Dr. Jung Park, Associate Director for HSGC and faculty member at the University of Hawai’i Maui College, who was successful in delivering these resources to the students and staff at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School.  We stand with Maui and are happy to contribute in any way we can.

Read the full article on the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium website.

Photo Credit: Shanin Sado, TA Vice Principal of Princess Nāhi’ena’ena Elementary School

Author Credit: Hawaii Space Grant Consortium