MAUI DISASTER RELIEF WEBPAGE 

This page was set-up to provide the latest information, updates and happenings on Maui as we receive them, and as it pertains to our affected churches and members. Pictured above, Holy Innocents in Lahaina was destroyed, but amazingly, the church sign, bearing a cropped copy of the iconic and now destroyed altar mural, was left virtually unscathed. 
SHORTCUTS ON THIS PAGE:
​All of our remaining Maui churches have been tirelessly supporting relief efforts, including the Diocesan Care-van ministry, A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW), that has been actively continuing its runs and servicing those who may not be at shelters.  As Maui enters into the recovery phase, the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham, Canon to the Bishop, has been flying over regularly to assist church leaders and members to literally pick up the pieces of their church and reorganize.  Like all those affected, it will be a slow, arduous, and painful time. Continue to keep all those affected in your prayers.
100% of all donations go directly to relief efforts! (Credit card donations are less merchant processing fee.)
Make an online donation through the Diocese and select  A Cup of Cold Water or Bishop's Pastoral Fund. 
Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) has established the Hawai'i Emergency Response Fund. 
Comprehensive website for those seeking assistance and those wishing to provide assistance.
A CUP OF COLD WATER
Checks can also be mailed directly to A Cup of Cold Water, the Diocese's Care-van ministry serving Maui:  A Cup of Cold Water, 2140 Main Street, Wailuku, HI 96793.​

Important Resource Links:

 Click HERE for the latest Press Releases and Alerts, from COUNTY OF MAUI COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS 

Worship Has Resumed!

With deepest gratitude, we are pleased to announce that our friends at Honolua United Methodist Church in Napili have offered the use of their church for Holy Innocents' members to hold worship gatherings every Sunday at 8:00 AM, free of charge! The church is located at 5110 Kohi St., across from the Napili Plaza.  Visit the Holy Innocents website HERE to stay updated.
​Mahalo nui loa Honolua UMC!

Cemetery / Columbarium Status Requests

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​We have had many inquiries about the state of Holy Innocents' Cemetery/Columbarium. From our visits so far, all niches seem to be intact, complete with their informational plaques. Damage to the columbarium is significant, but mostly this involved the roof, marble facing, and the central sculpture. The debris makes it difficult to approach every part of the structure, and access to the site is still somewhat limited. If you have a question about a specific burial/inurnment, please use the form HERE, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Holy Innocents Notecards Available

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​This set of four 4.24" x 5.5" notecards features artwork by Delos Blackmar, that adorned the church's mural, altar, and pulpit, and also includes one notecard with a photo of the rooftop cross that survived the fire. The set is only $5 plus shipping. All profits will go towards Maui wildfire relief. To save on shipping costs, consider bundling your order with others, or arrange to pick them up at the Diocesan Support Center. To place your order, click HERE.

Latest News, Messages & Updates:

  • [August 8, 2024]: Maui Strong: A Community Comes Together on the One-year Anniversary of the Deadly Wildfires - VIEW HERE
  • [July 25, 2024]: Chronicle Special Feature - A Year After & ERD Revisits Maui - VIEW HERE
  • [February 22, 2024] PROJECT: LOKELANI ROSES FOR MAUI - VIEW HERE
  • [December 28, 2023] Chronicle Special Feature - Working Together for Lasting Change - VIEW HERE
  • [December 14, 2023] Chronicle Special Feature - Maui: Hope Blooms - VIEW HERE​​
A Special Pastoral Message from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry:  (August 29, 2023) Our Presiding Bishop shares a message of care and compassion to the Diocese of Hawai'i, and especially to those affected by the deadly Maui fires that destroyed Lahaina and a community that included Holy Innocents Episcopal Church.  

We are grateful to the Presiding Bishop for taking the time to share this message, as he faces his own serious health issues. 
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​To view the full text version of his message, click HERE.
VIEW MORE NEWS, MESSAGES & UPDATES HERE
[September 1, 2023] KIPUNI ALOHA NO MAUI: DAYLONG PRAYER VIGIL 
​A daylong vigil was held in Hawai'i on September 1, 2023, for people statewide to come together to support the victims of the Maui wildfires and their families. The day was centered around emotional and spiritual healing that is rooted in Native Hawaiian practices with leaders from diverse faiths. Among the events was a blessing at the University of Hawai'i - Stanford University football game on Friday evening. Participating were Kahu Hailama Farden (Waianae Protestant Church), retired Bishop Eric Matsumoto (Honpa Hongwanji), Monsignor Gary Secor (Catholic Diocese of Honolulu), and our own Rev. Paul Nahoa Lucas (St. John's By-the-Sea), 5th from left.  (From the St. John's BTS website)
  • ​[August 31, 2023] Supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i After Wildfires (ERD) - VIEW HERE
  • [August 31, 2023] County of Maui Wildfires and News Update - VIEW HERE  
  • ​[August 29, 2023] Office of the Governor: Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced that the State of Hawai‘i and Maui County selected the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to lead efforts to remove fire-damaged debris from areas across Maui affected by historic fires in early August. READ MORE
  • [August 22, 2023] Hope in the Middle of Crisis (Lahaina News, by Cindy Schumacher):  Destructive wildfires have consumed much of Lahaina Town as the number of confirmed deaths continues to grow. Many cultural landmarks, cherished by the people of the island, are lost.  READ MORE
  • [August 22, 2023] 2 weeks after Lahaina wildfire, total number of deaths remains elusive with over 1,000 still missing (HNN):  The FBI says the list of those who remain unaccounted for following the Lahaina wildfire stands between 1,000 to 1,100, two weeks after flames tore through the town, and the county will soon release the names of the missing in hopes of finding some alive. VIEW HERE
  • [August 17, 2023] Bishop's Pastoral Letter on Maui (TEC) VIEW HERE
  • [August 17, 2023] Hawai'i Fire Relief & Housing Program: Governor Josh Green, M.D. and the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) have launched the Hawaiʻi Fire Relief Housing Program. The goal of the program is to connect those in urgent need of housing due to the Maui fires, with Hawaiʻi homeowners willing to assist by offering unoccupied rooms, units or houses on a temporary basis. Visit the State's webpage HERE for more info.
  • [August 15, 2023] Latest Maui Updates (TECH):  On Saturday, August 12, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shared the following on social media: We received the first on-the-ground photos confirming that Holy Innocents' Church buildings (sanctuary, preschool and vicarage) are gone. The public elementary school, Kamehameha III, next door is also gone. The Church -- God's people -- abound. Members of Holy Innocents are sheltering throughout Maui and O'ahu.  READ MORE
  • ​[August 15, 2023] Episcopal News Service: The Diocese of Hawaiʻi’s mobile homeless assistance ministry is providing direct assistance on the island of Maui to residents who’ve lost their homes in the wildfires that have killed at least 99 people and destroyed more than 2,200 buildings, most of which were residential.  Volunteers from A Cup of Cold Water, the diocese’s Maui-based community outreach program, have been driving a van around the island to distribute toiletries, food and pet food, bottled water, clothing and other necessities to displaced people since a day after the wildfires started on Aug. 8.  READ MORE​
  • [August 11, 2023] Episcopal News Service:  Episcopal leaders in Hawaiʻi are assessing the immediate needs of people who have been impacted by this week’s wildfires on the island of Maui, which have killed at least 55 people and destroyed at least a thousand buildings, including a historic Episcopal church.  READ MORE
  • [August 10, 2023] From the Bishop:  With the news of the fires on the islands of Maui and Hawaiʻi (“the Big Island”), I ask your prayers. Lahaina was devastated. Historic Holy Innocents Church is on Front Street where the fire very quickly swept into old Lahaina town. Those old buildings made out of wood, went up in flames quickly. Some of the buildings destroyed date back to the days of whaling and when the town was the seat of the monarchy (early 1800s). Likely, this includes our church, Holy Innocents, based on an aerial photo sent to the office. The Sanctuary, vicarage, preschool and office appear to be completely gone (as does the public elementary school next door).  READ MORE
  • [August 9, 2023] From the Bishop: Fires on Maui and Hawai'i Island
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Reporting from the ground...

Sharing stories and reports from our Diocesan volunteers on the ground in Maui during the first 6 months.
December 14, 2023:  Updates from Canon Sandy
​The outpouring of love for Maui continues, even though the spotlight has diminished over time. Like you, dear reader, all of the Diocese is committed to the long-term recovery in Lahaina, upcountry, and Holy Innocents in particular. 

We need to remember that opening up the site for limited visiting is still a long way from getting answers about toxicity or future building zone restriction changes, so any realistic plans for land reclamation or rebuilding, though exciting, are not currently within our grasp.
​​We are still in a search for our Maui Recovery Efforts Missioner. Our first round of searching involved some wonderful people, but none were the right fit for our needs. We are particularly thankful to the Maui Reviewing Committee for their research, discernment, and recommendations to the Bishop. Please pray for this ongoing search and spread the word! From the previously posted job description:
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PRIMARY PURPOSE: To coordinate the relief efforts of the ministries of Holy Innocents, A Cup of Cold Water, various government agencies, and other outreach organizations and coordinate communications with the Diocese.
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DESCRIPTION: The position provides disaster relief and administrative support to Diocesan entities and interests, in particular, those on Maui.

Other helping hands continue their amazing work. A special mahalo must go to the congregations, school, and clergy of Maui. Because of their central location, Good Shepherd in Wailuku has been particularly connected with the needs of people affected by the fires. Mahalo to Moki Hino and the whole staff for the witness you’ve been to those in need. A Cup of Cold Water continues to astound – their outreach remains agile to new realities, and they have been a great help in distributing help on behalf of the Diocese.
The good and faithful folks of Holy Innocents have met several times, but will be kicking off a more regular schedule of gathering and worship [that started] on the First Sunday of Advent. This is particularly poignant as Advent is not only a season of hope and expectation, but also the start of the new (Church) year. I will have the privilege of celebrating the Eucharist with them on the first and third Sundays of Advent, and they have plans for both Morning Prayer (Katy Shroder had been in our first Waiolaihui‘ia Licensed Lay Ministry class and was licensed just weeks before the fire) and Eucharist from time to time. I know that they are very much looking forward to this more regular schedule, and we are all most thankful for the hospitality of Honolua United Methodist Church for hosting them Sunday mornings free of charge.
More photos...
August 19, 2023:  Sights and Sounds with the Kaua'i Team and ACCW, on day 3 and 4, as they continue to service the people (and pets) of Maui with care and compassion. The video clip is an interview by Ron Morinishi with Chrystal and Jason, survivors who have lost everything, but are already giving back by helping others. Their fightening car clip was featured in the August 15 entry further below. (Photos from the Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion and Ron Morinishi)
August 17, 2023: Report from the Kaua'i Response Team on their second day (8/16) - (Reporting by the Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion)  In the evacuee crisis, following the Maui wildfires, we are heading out to the people behind the people (ACCW) with food, water, blankets & sheets, diapers, toiletries, some clothing and now due to the burn wound needs: wound cleansers, antibiotic ointments, wound dressings, antibiotic injections/orals, basic pain care, asthma aids due to smoke inhalations, nebulizers, etc.​
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​Our first stop was at the Camp Maluhia by the Mendes Ranch on Kahekili HWY where we met the Tongitialoa families needs.  We left eczema medicines for baby one year old Junior, suffering from skin issues.  We established a communication channel with the BSACamp who asked us to send Kanaka families up the mountain to them; they can house over 55 more people in cabins. We left a Bible and Book of Common Prayer.

Most of our work yesterday in aid focused in the Paia area with Old Maui High School Road as a main emphasis. Holomua Road had cars on both sides of the road with small encampments.  Four of the fourteen families we served with medical care identified themselves voluntarily as former residents of Lahaina and fire evacuees.  We estimate that at least six more beloved of God, were fire wearied and unsheltered as well.

Nate in Paia had a abscess boil on his knee, an MRSA so the medical team did an incision and drainage procedure.  The doctor and nurse then cleaned and dressed the wound and a wound on the other leg.  Nate was painting a mural of natural beauty to encourage other evacuees in the dark aftermath when we treated him. We prayed, anointed him, and left a Bible and Book of Common Prayer.

Anna & Michael in their early twenties, we’re living out of their car with other evacuees and unsheltered people on Holomua RD. “You took the time to treat us like human beings,” said Cisco; following a veterinarian exam of Blue the Hound and the gift of a tent.  Anna gave Kahu a bracelet of rose quartz and said, “ my peace I give, my peace I leave you, not as the world gives do I give unto you ..’

We connected and sent Michael Pihukoa & Anna Rose Ade, Sam & Eric Vega, and Ernie Anorak’s family to the BSA Boy Scout Camp for Leif to receive them up Camp Maluhia mountain way. 

Kai was treated for severe burns and scarring wound issues. Severe facial burns in 3rd degree covered his face, shoulders, arms. There were skin grafted areas but complications due to his unsheltered status left him with chronic infectious suffering.  He has kept his disfigured face fully covered in a half ski mask. Neck, shoulder, hand disfigurements. Recurrent infections due to lymphatic blockages with scar tissue have also caused him profound traumatic pain. Kai is probably in his mid-twenties. The medical team drained his wounds, applied and gave him antibiotic creams, and antibiotic orals, pain medications were also given.  We prayed with Kai; anointed him and blessed him Holy Oil; with an inscripted Bible with the Team’s and ACCW names, a date, and a message of Christ’s healing love. We left a Prayer Book for ‘the night watches.’  We cried. 
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More photos with descriptions in the slideshow from the Kaua'i Reponse Team  by Ron Morinishi and Kerry Holder Joffrion, on their first two days on Maui - Unloading medical and camping supplies that were shipped from Kaua'i; inside of War Memorial shelter; one newly houseless man who suffered with infections--Dr. Sparks from the Kaua'i team spent a long time treating him; the road to the old Maui High School had many small encampments; the volunteers helped distribute medical and camping supplies; Kaua'i team van full of supplies; Nate in Paia; Treating a sick puppy.
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August 17, 2023: Report from ACCW on their Wednesday (8/16) run (Reporting and photo by Deb Lynch)
Wednesday's ACCW went out on a Run that focused on providing medical care to those who needed it. Dr. Warren Sparks cleaned staph wounds, did health evaluations, and the Kaua'i Disaster Response team provided compassion and trauma grief counseling. ACCW also gave out PB&J sandwiches, water, more water, food snack packs, blankets, towels, clothes. slippers, and much compassion. It was a long run, but so worth it to so many. (Photo of Dr. Sparks and the Kaua'i team providing care) 
August 15, 2023:  Report from the Kaua'i Response Team on arrival day (Reporting & photos by the Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion)
  • Today was our first day.  [Upon arrival on Maui] we prayed at the Kahului Airport in a circle. (They then headed to the War Memorial Shelter in Kahului.)
  • The people share their stories of their grief-- (See video of family escaping from fire in their car - submitted by Jason and Chrystal) This depiction was repeated by every person we met today.  It took different forms but every voice spoke of the shock of the fire and of swift and overwhelming danger.  They fled for their lives and the lives of their families.
  • Medical observations and treatments: Our doctor and nurse treated basic burn wounds with immediate needs protocols; cleaning, antibiotic treatment, dressings, wound care, prescription antibiotic when needed.  Prescriptions for other needs were ordered for specific families.  Will deliver tomorrow. Most wounds are on the feet and legs from flying cinders.  Many battling infections.
  • Care Van experience-  ‘A Cup of Cold Water,’ Ministry operating in cooperation with the Maui Episcopal Churches and the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii is our host ministry.  The ministry is a grassroots outreach ministry of food, hygiene, and clothing distribution in cooperation with community partners. 
  • Peter Joffrion partnered with John Hiroshima in the Care Van to Kihei to deliver antibiotic ointments, toiletries, bedding, towels, food, water for those on the street through ‘A Cup of Cup of Cold Water,’ Ministries.
  • A moment of grace with the ukelele, rising from the ashes for Koda (see second video clip)
  • Let us continue to pray...
Sights at the shelter as folks settle in as best they can amidst donations and goodwill. In the first photo, Tiffany Watkins, RN, the trauma nurse with the Kaua'i Reposnse team, poses with one of the evacuees, Terry.
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Follow along on social media: 

(These are posts from the first 6 months following the fires. To see all posts, visit the Diocese's Facebook page HERE, or the Holy Innocents' Fcaebook page HERE.)
To see earlier posts on Facebook, visit the Diocesan page HERE.
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