Lahaina Strong 2023

On that fateful Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, tragedy struck our beloved Lahaina town. In the blink of an eye, ruthless fires ravaged through our streets, leaving behind a trail of devastation that words cannot fully capture. The flames consumed our cherished historical landmarks, reduced homes to ashes, and shattered the lives of over 5,000 resilient souls who once called this place home. The weight of grief and loss hangs heavy in the air, as we mourn the hundreds of precious lives that were tragically lost in the deadliest US fire.

But amidst the ashes, a story of strength and resilience emerges. We are not just a community; we are a family bound by an unbreakable spirit. Together, we will rise from the darkness, determined to rebuild what was taken from us. We have come together, offering support, comfort, and hope to one another. Our hearts ache, yet they are filled with a determination to restore our beloved Lahaina's heart and heritage.

We can't wait for the day when our keiki’s laughter fills the streets, ‘ono (delicious) smells come from food trucks and local restaurants, and musicians play beautiful mele (music) that soothes our souls. Imagine the joyous celebrations of our rich cultural festivals, where the spirit of Lahaina comes alive. These are the memories we hold dear, and it is our collective mission to ensure they are not lost forever.

Now, we humbly turn to you, our global ohana, to help us rebuild, heal, and restore Lahaina's spirit. We cannot do it alone. We need your support, your empathy, and your generosity no matter how big or small. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of pain and loss, and transform it into a tale of resilience, unity, and triumph.

We have the power to bring about change by uniting and supporting one another in times of sorrow. Every dollar contributed to this gofundme will be a lifeline for the brave souls who have lost everything, not only giving them hope and a chance to rebuild and piece their lives back together. But to also build a stronger, more vibrant Lahaina.

Additionally, we aim to preserve our town's historical significance by supporting the restoration of iconic landmarks and the revitalization of local businesses. Together, we can help heal the wounds inflicted upon our community and create a future that honors the resilient spirit of Lahaina.

Let us stand together, hand in hand, as we rebuild hope and restore the heart and heritage of our beloved Lahaina. A town that has touched so many hearts near and far. Let’s breathe life back into Lahaina together. Mahalo for being a source of hope in our time of greatest despair.

BEHIND THE SCENES: We have a local team (Lahaina Strong Hui) working tirelessly taking and compiling info on the ‘ohana (families) who have lost their homes while providing them with comfort and educating them on all the different resources that come through. We are driven by the determination to ensure no one is missed or slips through the cracks. ‘Ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind! Donations from this fundraiser will be split equally among families who lost their home due to the Lahaina fires.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND: Aloha, I am Jordan Ruidas. A born and raised Lahaina girl who has an immense passion to help the people of my community. In 2018, I ran the Lahaina Strong Facebook Fundraiser and put on the Lahaina Strong Kokua Fest in collaboration with GoBig Productions raising roughly $170k for the families who lost their homes.

With the experience I have (though 2018 numbers are small scale compared to what we are dealing with now), the support of my community and team, and the drive to restore our people and our town.. I am taking this leap of faith and launching this fundraising effort.

Mahalo for everyone’s generosity and time. Words cannot begin to describe the immense appreciation we have for you all.

We are currently looking into 501(c)3 status ourselves and are looking nonprofits to possibly collaborate with to ensure the 501(c)(3)'s and Lahaina Strong are aligned for the allocation of funds*. We will keep everyone updated with this."

“Never cease to act because you fear you may fail.” - Queen Lili’uokalani

Artwork by Tina AhPuck

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Currently, we are actively exploring the possibility of obtaining a 501(c)3 status, which would provide us with important benefits as a nonprofit organization.

The process of obtaining 501(c)3 status involves thorough research, careful planning, and adherence to specific legal requirements. We are diligently working towards fulfilling these requirements to ensure that we can operate as a tax-exempt entity. This designation would enable us to maximize our resources and focus on our mission of making a positive difference in our community.

In addition to pursuing 501(c)3 status, we are also actively seeking possibilities for collaboration with a nonprofit. Our aim is to find a nonprofit that aligns with our values and shares our vision to support our Lahaina ‘ohana. (This option would most likely come into play if we can’t achieve 501(c)3 status in a timely matter.)

Transparency is a core value for us, and we want to ensure that you are kept informed throughout this process. We understand that open communication fosters trust and allows for community involvement in decision-making. Therefore, we will provide regular updates on our progress and any developments related to our pursuit of 501(c)3 status and potential collaboration with a nonprofit.

We want to assure you that each step we take is carefully considered and in the best interest of our community. Our commitment to transparency ensures that you have a clear understanding of our intentions and can actively participate in shaping our collective future.