Oprah And Dwayne Johnson Make $1,200 Per Month Available To Maui Wildfire Survivors
The People’s Fund of Maui was launched with a $10 million donation.
After consulting with community leaders, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have created a new fund for survivors of the Aug. 8 wildfires in Lahaina and Upcountry.
The People’s Fund of Maui, which launched Thursday with their $10 million donation, is intended to provide who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires, according to a news release.
鈥淚 have been meeting with people throughout the community that were impacted by the fires over the last few weeks, asking what they most needed and how I could be of service,鈥 Winfrey said in the release. 鈥淭he main thing I鈥檝e been hearing is their concern about how to move forward under the immense financial burden. The community has come together in so many wonderful ways, and my intention is to support those impacted as they determine what rebuilding looks like for them.鈥
Community leaders including Hokulani Holt-Padilla, Keali鈥檌 Reichel, Archie Kalepa, Ekolu Lindsey, Kimo Falconer, Tiare Lawrence, Kaimana Brummel, Kaleikoa Ka鈥檈o, Brian Keaulana, Kaimi Kaneholani, Henohea Kane, Paele Kiakona, Ed Suwanjindar, Shep Gordon and Jason Momoa helped provide guidance and insights in determining how the celebrity duo could best be of service.
Johnson said in the release that the community leaders came together to help ensure this new fund puts money “directly in the hands” of those most affected.
“As people around the world watched the catastrophic loss and devastation caused by the Maui wildfires, they also witnessed the great spirit and resilience of our Polynesian culture and the tremendous strength of the people of Maui,鈥 Johnson said in the release. “Even in the most difficult of times, the people of Maui come together, and we rise 鈥 that鈥檚 what makes us stronger.”
Maui residents have been frustrated by the limited direct cash support from the government thus far in the relief effort, which has prompted many to create GoFundMe pages and other means of channeling financial support to those in need.
Private groups, like the Hawaii Community Foundation, have also stepped up to raise significant funding. The had raised $67.5 million as of Friday.
Fire victims are eligible for assistance including an immediate $700 per person cash payment from the . Another $1,000 is available through .
At least 115 people died in the Lahaina fire, and 388 remain unaccounted for. Separate Upcountry fires in Kula and Olinda destroyed 19 homes. Altogether, thousands of structures were incinerated, and officials have estimated the total damage at more than $5 billion.
The search-and-rescue phase has come to an end after three weeks and debris cleanup, with support from the Environmental Protection Agency, has commenced in Lahaina.
To contribute, visit . All net proceeds will go to those directly impacted in Maui, the release says.
Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by a grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.
