The volume of donated goods has overwhelmed some organizations.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement opened a new storage facility on Saturday to handle all Oahu-based donations heading to victims of the Maui wildfires.
The facility’s opening at Kakaako Makai was in coordination with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who is overseeing relief at the state level.
According to a joint press release issued by CNHA and OHA, OHA is providing 30,000 square feet of warehouse space for storing goods while CNHA is managing the distribution center.
This comes after organizations benefiting Maui received such an outpouring of donations that there were certain items that were no longer needed.
Maui Rapid Response, a citizen-led group funded by the Maui Mutual Aid Fund, posted on their Instagram on Aug. 11 that people should stop donating clothing because their drop-off sites are already adequately stocked, a request echoed by Luke.
On Aug. 17, Patagonia Honolulu posted on their Instagram that they are pausing donations in order to organize what they already have.
The Oahu warehouse, referred to as the Maui Relief Storage Facility, will hold items until they are ready for receipt on Maui.
The facility is located at 200 Keawe St., though individual drop-offs are not allowed. Individuals who want to donate are requested to do so through a larger entity.
“Businesses, community organizations, churches, schools, etc. who are collecting and receiving large donations should call (808) 341-0622 to coordinate delivery,” says the press release.
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About the Author
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Ben Angarone is a reporter for Civil Beat. You can reach him at bangarone@civilbeat.org.