News & Resources
LahainaTown Action Committee to host cleanup event
Community volunteers from keiki to kūpuna can lend a hand at the 21st annual Lahaina Town Cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of International Coastal Cleanup Month. Tambara Garrick, director of LahainaTown Action Committee, the organizer of the event, shares what she’s most looking forward to, the overall impact and what day-of participants can expect.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros
https://alohastatedaily.com/2025/09/10/lahainatown-action-committee-to-host-cleanup-event/
September 10, 20254 min read
Businesses, nonprofits, students and their families, both kamaʻāina and visitors alike, are readying to gather at the 21st annual Lahaina Town Cleanup, hosted by the LahainaTown Action Committee.
Organizers are expecting more than 350 people to help pick up rubbish from Olowalu to Napili, along the beach and highway up Lahainaluna Road from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 27, as part of International Coastal Cleanup Month. Registration and parking will be at Lahaina Cannery mall (roadside/mauka facing into the Starbucks entrance).
LahainaTown Action Committee Director Tambara Garrick said the inaugural event was a grassroots effort by the local surf schools on what was then called coastal cleanup day by nationwide environmental nonprofit Ocean Conservancy. Now, the movement is celebrated all month long.
“The first year I helped was in 2012 or 2013 when I was on the board of directors, before we brought it under the umbrella of LahainaTown Action Committee to steward. During Covid, one of the main organizers Matthew Lane talked it through with me about how to keep it going,” she told Aloha State Daily. “It grew from outreach for different school groups to eventually one of the longest running annual cleanup events in the state.”
During the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, LahainaTown Action Committee worked with the County of Maui and began its partnership with Malama Maui Nui, which continues to provide supplies and labor today for the event. What was different then? The cleanup hosted smaller groups of 10 scattered more widely to adhere to social distancing and group size restrictions.
The Lahaina Town Cleanup also continued the past two years, following the wildfires, through pre-existing and new partnerships, like with Lahaina Cannery.
“Lahaina Cannery has been our home base the last two years and where we’ve kept the 30-yard dumpster that can a hold 1 ton of trash,” Garrick said. “We aim to make it a fun vibe when people come to check-in with a DJ, food, swag and more.”
She added that for safety and planning reasons, there is a station of large maps with the red zone labeled for fire affected areas to keep clear of and Sharpies for folks to mark where they will be working.
When asked about overall impact, Garrick said, “It’s really incredible, especially after the fire. … Once you start going out there and you find everything from microplastics to a full-size washing machine that might have been dumped on the side of the road, and you realize you’ve just filled up a dumpster with a ton of rubbish, that’s a pretty big impact, and that’s also stuff that’s not going to make its ways into the waterways, whether it’s a stream or directly in the ocean.”
She says this is an important lesson for the keiki who experience “instant gratification” after working hard, and can lead them to challenge their friends, if they litter. Another benefit of attending the event is getting community service hours signed off, she said.
“It’s not glamorous to go out in the hot sun and pick up hundreds of cigarette butts or discarded food wrappers, so that’s why we invite people to just come. It’s going to be a good time with a large group of like-minded people who care about Maui and our coastlines,” she continued. “That’s why we ask people to bring a reusable water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen because these are small things we can do to take care of the environment.”
Garrick, who volunteers her time for this event, said she was surprised how healing it felt since the Lahaina fire. “To see everyone come together, connect, see neighbors and friends, I thought, ‘OK, this is much bigger than a beach cleanup. And I hope that continues this year, but maybe with a lighter tone, where people can enjoy a beautiful Maui day, have a free lunch, hangout and feel good about themselves.”
She works as contractor, and as director of LahainaTown Action Committee, her priority remains helping Lahaina businesses. “I’m trying to stay on the west side as much as I can. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Lahaina and that’s what inspires me every day.”
LahainaTown Action Committee is raising funds to help offset the cost of the event. Donations can be made here.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
Federal Field Hearing Scheduled for September 4, 2024
Press Release Published: Aug 21, 2024
Sessions Announces Field Hearing in Hawaii on Federal Response to Maui Wildfires
WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) today announced a hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires” to examine the ongoing federal response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii that occurred in August 2023.
“The wildfires in Maui coincided with the Subcommittee’s hearing in Ft. Myers, FL, to review the federal government’s recovery efforts to Hurricane Ian. We just passed the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in Maui. This hearing provides an opportunity to determine whether lessons learned in Florida have been implemented or whether congressional action may be necessary. It is also an opportunity to review additional aspects of the recovery process that the specific circumstances and characteristics of Maui will highlight. I am holding this hearing in close conjunction with my colleagues from the Hawaiian delegation, and together we intend to ensure the people of Hawaii receive the necessary support from federal agencies,” said Subcommittee Chairman Sessions.
WHAT: Hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires”
DATE: September 4, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM HST
LOCATION: Lahaina Civic Center, Social Hall, 1840 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
WITNESS:
Panel I:
- Mr. Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator (Region 9), Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Col. Eric Swenson, Commander, St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Mr. Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, Small Business Administration
- Ms. Cheree Peterson, Deputy Regional Administrator (Region 9), Environmental Protection Agency
Panel II: State/Local Witnesses
- Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Governor’s Office
- Mr. Richard Bissen, Mayor, Maui County
- Ms. Lauren Nahme, Hawaii Community Foundation, SVP of the Maui Recovery Office
- Mr. Sne Patel, LahainaTown Action Committee
- Mr. Ke’eaumoku Kapu, President & CEO, Na Aikane O Maui
The hearing will be open for viewing to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://oversight.house.gov/. Please note this hearing is intended for lawmakers to hear from invited witnesses and it is not a public forum.
Media wishing to attend the hearing should RSVP here.
Shop local and show aloha for Maui at Kokua for Maui
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Hosts Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha
April 5th Event Supports Lahaina Small Businesses & Artisans Impacted by 2023 Wildfires
MAUI, HAWAII – On Friday, April 5, 2024, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa will host “Kokua for Maui,” an event where Maui residents and visitors can shop and show their aloha for local artisans and Lahaina small businesses who were impacted by the August 2023 wildfires. In partnership with the County of Maui, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, and LahainaTown Action Committee, the event will be held at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Maui Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The ‘ohana at Sheraton Maui is committed to incorporating programming that gives travelers the opportunity to give back to our community, who is still grieving and has lost so much,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “We are honored to host the Kokua for Maui event at our resort, where we can provide a venue for Lahaina businesses to continue to connect with locals and visitors to Maui, and support the Maui economy.”
Kokua for Maui will feature Lahaina small businesses including Maui Pineapple Store, Lahaina Music, Maui Toy Works, Kama Lei Design, Hangloose Hammocks Hawaii, Starfishaloha, Story of Hawaii Museum Exhibit and Gallery, Moonbow Tropics, Hale Zen, Lahaina Honey, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate, Olivia by the Sea, Gallery Kaipua, Maui Community Sailing Foundation, Let’s Go, Kiddo!, Manakai Swimwear, MauiGrown 808, Makana Hawaii, West Maui Sports and Fishing Supply, Khloella’s Garden, Kohola Brewery and more.
Musical guests, sponsored by Kanuihele, include Kaleo Phillips, Logan Kalawai‘a, Gabe Goebbert, as well as Marvin Tevaga, a Lahaina resident and dedicated member of the Maui Police Department, who lost his home in the fires and continues to inspire his community with his music. He recently released a new song, “Take Me Home (Lahaina),” written with his neighbor Damon Williams.
“We wanted to write a song that spoke to the people of Lahaina – those that live here, who are from Lahaina and moved away, and people who love Lahaina altogether. Take Me Home (Lahaina) inspires people to remember what Lahaina was to them, to support one another. There is still hope and kokua for us,” said Tevaga.
Valet parking is available for $5 for all event attendees, payable at Sheraton Maui’s front desk.
For more information, visit https://www.mauinuifirst.com/kokua
Lahaina Career Fair and Pop-Up Makeke
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Workforce Development Office, American Job Center, and the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) will be hosting on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. a Lahaina Career Fair and Pop-Up Makeke. Join us for an event that brings together the best of both worlds — Lahaina Employers and Small Business Vendors.
Approximately, 40 employers and 10 small businesses attendees will be allowed, so please sign up early. Each organization will receive a 6 ft. table and two chairs to be hosted at Lahaina Civic Center.
This collaborative event will host a combination of Lahaina Employers, Small Business, and Resource providers. Space is limited as we will balance the combination of participants to attend, first-come, first-serve. Our aim is to serve as many employers that provide job opportunities that hire on-the-spot to help job seekers.
To register for a table, please complete this form by Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Space is limited, first come, first serve basis. You will receive an email to be officially confirmed. Registration may end earlier due to space limitations.
The American Job Center and Maui County Virtual Job Fair (MCVJF) staff will email you to confirm receipt of your registration. If you have any questions please call (808) 270-5777 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for more information. Additional logistical details about the Maui County Career & Resource Fair event will be provided to you in a separate email the week prior to the event.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS
Maui Business Bridge Grants
Maui Business Bridge Grants – Grant Overview
This grant program is being offered by the State of Hawaii, County of Maui, Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO), Credit Unions of Maui, and Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). The purpose of this grant program is to support Maui-based businesses that have been directly or indirectly impacted by the August 8, 2023 Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires.
In order to be eligible to receive funding, business owners must have:
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an active registration license, established prior to August 1, 2023, with the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Please check your business registration status HERE (DCCA)
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a primary business operating location on Maui as of July 31, 2023
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an active Hawaii General Excise Tax ID (GET ID), with a registered business address on Maui.
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Please check your Hawaii GET License status HERE (GET)
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Scroll down to “Business” section and click “search tax licenses”.
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NOTE: Only General Excise (GE) IDs are valid. Withholding (WH) or Transient Accommodation (TA) IDs are not eligible.
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a copy of a recent Hawaii GET filing, dated within the period of August 31, 2022 through July 31, 2023. A 2022 annual G49 filing is preferred to determine annual gross income. For information on obtaining a GET filing copy, please contact the Hawaii Department of Taxation Maui District Office or log in to your Hawaii Tax Online account.
Rental Property income landlords/businesses are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Due to the high demand for grant funding, it may not be possible to provide grants to all eligible applicants. Grants will range from $1,000 to $20,000, with the assigned grant processing agency determined by the applicant’s gross annual income for the 2022 tax year or an extrapolation of the most recent General Excise Tax (GET) filing period for businesses established for less than one year.
The grant processing agency will be assigned depending on the applicant’s gross annual income for the 2022 tax year, or for businesses established for less than 1 year, an extrapolation of the most recent General Excise Tax (GET) filing period as follows:
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Maui Economic Opportunity: $0 – $300,000
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Credit Unions of Maui: $300,001 – $599,999
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Maui Economic Development Board: $600,000 and above
If awarded, funds may be used for the following costs incurred as of August 9, 2023 or later:
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Rent, lease payments, or mortgage payments on new property secured as a replacement for property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Utility deposits and bills for a new business location secured as a replacement for property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Insurance premiums.
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Inventory, Equipment, Supplies and Marketing.
If awarded, funds may NOT be used for the following:
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Rent, lease payments, or mortgage payments associated with property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Any utility charges associated with property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Repayment of any loans.
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Staff salaries, wages or payroll inclusive of benefits.
Each grant processing agency reserves the right to establish additional eligibility criteria, document requirements, funding restrictions, and grant activity requirements.
If awarded, grant revenue may be taxable. Consult with a tax professional regarding proper tax treatment of these funds.
Once an application is submitted, a notice will be issued to inform the applicant of whether or not eligibility criteria has been met. Eligible applicants will be informed of their grant processing agency and will be contacted directly by that agency for further processing and award determinations. Please visit our website often for news on upcoming Business Recovery Funding and other Business Assistance opportunities.
Kokua for Maui Month
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
October 27, 2023
Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha: A Collective Effort to Support Maui
In the spirit of aloha and unity, Hawaii’s four mayors have jointly launched November as “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha” Month. This collaborative effort, led by the County of Maui in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi, City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaiʻi, County of Kauaʻi, and various community partners; aims to provide essential support for Maui’s people and businesses as they continue to recover from the devastating August wildfires.
County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen shared, “Maui’s people and businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience during these trying times, and ‘Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha’ is dedicated to bolstering their efforts while revitalizing the island’s economy.”
This initiative will feature a series of events and activities throughout November, including the following, with more events to be announced shortly:
10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui Festival (Nov. 3-4): Presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce and supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, this festival celebrates locally made products, stimulating the island’s economy.
22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention (Nov. 14-17): The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) made a conscious decision to move their convention to Maui; an event that features discussions on culture, economic development, education, with a focus on Maui’s history and future.
Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 18): In partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, this gourmet event at Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi and Wailea Beach Resort will contribute to Maui’s recovery.
Kokua for Maui at the Hilo Farmers Market (Nov. 18): Maui small businesses will be hosted by the County of Hawaiʻi and the Hilo Farmers Market, offering a touch of Maui on Hawaiʻi Island.
Kokua for Maui at the Neal Blaisdell Center (Nov. 19): This collaborative event with the City and County of Honolulu and community partners features Maui-based vendors and their products.
Kokua for Maui in Waikiki (Nov. 20-21): Bringing Maui’s entrepreneurs to showcase their products, art, and more; allowing visitors to support and show aloha for Maui and its businesses.
The MauiNuiFirst.com website also includes a directory of local businesses you can support.
Hawai‘i State Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke underscored the importance of supporting local businesses and families, saying, “November is typically the month for giving, and we all know someone affected by the Maui wildfires. Our islands might be separated by ocean, but we’re one island state. When one island hurts, we all feel it. We keep hearing from people, how we can help? One way to make a real difference for small businesses and local families is to keep supporting local.”
For more information and updates on “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha,” please visit MauiNuiFirst.com.
About MauiNuiFirst.com: MauiNuiFirst.com is an online directory created by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development to celebrate and support the diverse businesses, products, services, and activities that make “Maui Nui” no ka oi. Serving as a vital resource for both businesses and consumers alike, it plays a pivotal role in nurturing a strong, interconnected community.
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