Kaha Kukahi

We served our mission with the InZane Super Groms Kids Ocean Sport and Ocean Safety Clinics, Kahakukahi Ocean Academy, beach cleanups, and blue carbon restoration programs that focus on making science and education fun and, after the August 8th Wildfire that decimated our entire town, we stepped in to host 17 Free Events to uplift the children of West Maui. Each of the 17 events had as many as 100 children in attendance. They were able to be mentored by water sports experts, and got the opportunity to surf, windsurf, sail, and learn Hawaiian Cultural practices and participate in essential Art Therapy programs. Each event included much needed gifts to the children to replace what they lost in the fires, from school supplies, clothing, surfboards and skateboards, and much more.

After the devastating wildfires that destroyed so many houses on Maui, we started a GoFundMe specifically to assist Lahaina families in dire financial need. As we hosted our events, we heard the tragic stories that many of our Kahakukahi participants and volunteers suffered. As the money came in from GoFundMe, we initially set up grants of $3000 for multi generation households, $2000 for families who lost their homes, $1000 for families who lost their businesses, $500 for singles who lost their home and $250 for singles who lost their business. However, there were so many families in need that we had to assess recipients according to the highest need and adjust the amounts accordingly. In total, there were 37 family or individual recipients in 2023 with the rest of the funds disbursed in 2024.