Kauaʻi County disaster response bolstered by $265K from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation deployed $265,000 through its Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative to support disaster response efforts in Kauaʻi County — which includes the Garden Isle and Niʻihau — in the aftermath of Hurricane Lowell.

“Our hearts are with the families, farmers, businesses and communities on Kauaʻi and Niʻihau who are currently dealing with the impacts of Hurricane Lowell,” said Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Chief Executive Officer and President Terry George. “The frequency and severity of these storms are taking a toll across our island communities, which is why we are so grateful for the continued support of our Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative.”

George added the flexible funds from the initiative allow the foundation to quickly mobilize resources before, during and long after disasters strike communities that need them most.

Additional funding will aid disaster response efforts throughout Kauaʻi County by supporting:

• Aloha United Way ($20,000) to connect Kauaʻi residents with critical information, resources and support through the 211 Hawaiʻi helpline in partnership with Kauaʻi United Way.
• Hawaiʻi Foodbank-Kauaʻi ($100,000) to strengthen food distribution efforts for communities around Kauaʻi, ensuring access to essential resources during ongoing power and communications disruptions.
• Kākoʻo Lāhui ($10,000) to establish a community-led hub in Wainiha providing essential supplies and basic needs for rural and isolated households, especially those with kūpuna.
• Kauaʻi Economic Development Board ($40,000) to coordinate the procurement and distribution of emergency resources and supplies throughout community organizations, including commercial ice, for communities around Kauaʻi impacted by Hurricane Lowell.
• Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank ($25,000) to coordinate food distribution and emergency resources, including water and meals-ready-to-eat, for communities around Kauaʻi.
• Mālama Kauaʻi ($50,000) to help Kauaʻi farmers and ranchers recover by providing emergency resources and addressing losses to agricultural infrastructure, equipment, crops and livestock.
• Salvation Army Hanapēpē Corps. ($10,000) to provide emergency meals and essential resources for residents near the Hanapēpē location.
• Salvation Army Līhuʻe Corps. ($10,000) to provide emergency meals and essential resources for residents near the Līhuʻe location.

The foundation awarded $22,000 in grants prior to Lowell’s arrival to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable families and households on both islands.

Those funds enabled Hawaiʻi Foodbank-Kauaʻi, Kākoʻo Lāhui and Project Vision Hawaiʻi to deliver proactive preparedness outreach and rapidly procure and distribute essential food, supplies and other life-sustaining resources ahead of the storm.

“Disasters do not end when the storm passes,” George said. “The people of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau are already demonstrating the resilience and care for one another that define these communities. By investing in trusted local organizations, we stand alongside those on the front lines, helping ensure residents have access to the assistance they need.”

Visit the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation website for additional information about the Stronger Hawaiʻi Initiative and to give your support.