Obama highlights Maui relief organizations in call for donations

Former President Obama on Tuesday highlighted several organizations providing relief to Maui residents in the wake of last week’s deadly wildfires as he urged people to donate to recovery efforts on the island.

“If you’re looking for more ways to support folks in Lāhainā and on Maui, I hope you’ll consider donating to these local organizations that are providing direct support on the ground,” Obama said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

His post linked to the Obama Foundation website, which pointed to several Maui-based organizations and funds, including The Maui Strong Fund from Hawai’i Community Foundation, Maui Rapid Response, Maui Humane Society and New Life Kahuku Inc. It also featured national efforts, such as the American Red Cross and Wildfire Fund.

Obama, who grew up in Honolulu, said in a video message on Monday he and former first lady Michelle Obama are “absolutely heartbroken” by the “devastating images” coming out of his home state.

At least 99 people died in the Maui wildfires last week, making it the deadliest U.S. fire in more than a century. Fueled by strong wind gusts from an offshore hurricane, the blazes tore across the island and decimated the historic town of Lahaina.

“As someone who grew up in Hawaii, someone who has taken my family to enjoy the incredible beauty of that island and the hospitality of the people of Lahaina, we now find ourselves mourning the lives that are lost,” the former president said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that have lost so much.”

However, Obama urged people to go beyond “thoughts and prayers” in Monday’s message.

“The thing about it is though, thoughts and prayers in a moment like this are not enough. We have to step up. And we have to help those families, and we have to help Lahaina rebuild,” he said.

“If all of us — the Ohana — pull together and do as much as we can to give back to an island and a town and people who have given us so much, I’m absolutely confident that Lahaina and Maui and those families are going to be able to rebuild,” Obama added.

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