STATEMENT: AAPI Victory Alliance on the Hawaii Wildfires
WASHINGTON — As first responders work to contain the six wildfires throughout Maui and the Big Island that have taken the lives of over 55 people and displaced thousands, AAPI Victory Alliance issued the following statements to mourn the lives lost and call for bold climate action.
AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement:
“We offer our sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones during this tragedy, as well as the thousands who are without shelter and other basic needs as they seek safety from the wildfires. Our hearts break seeing historic Lahaina and surrounding areas devastated by climate disaster in what is being called the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history.
“We applaud President Biden’s swiftness in declaring a major disaster and sending additional federal aid to Hawaii. This was preventable—AAPI communities have sounded the alarm for decades that countless Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander lives are at stake without a plan to address the climate crisis. As we continue to monitor the ongoing survivor search and property recovery processes, our hope is that this disaster is the wake-up call that officials in Washington need to take bold climate action.”
Former Hawaiʻi State Representative and AAPI Victory Alliance Board Member Patrick Branco issued the following statement:
“I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in Maui and appreciation for the brave first responders who have worked around the clock. Hawai’i just experienced one of the deadliest wildfires in our country’s modern history. AANHPIs have been experiencing the effects of the climate crisis here in Hawai’i for years; we have been sounding the alarm for urgent federal action. Sadly, we have not had a seat at the table for one of the most pressing conversations of our lifetime—and now our homes, our businesses, and our communities are burning. Right now, we need to make sure that those impacted are getting the help they need, but we have a long road ahead to protect our state, our country, and our future from the catastrophic threats of climate change.”
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Ways to Contribute:
To make the most of your contributions, it’s important to follow guidelines for donating and volunteering responsibly. Please visit FEMA.gov to start. Below are also places to consider:
Resources for Safety:
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App for more information on available resources.
Sign up for emergency alerts from Maui County.
Follow Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for updates on evacuations and shelters.
Visit ready.gov/wildfires for resources on how to stay safe during wildfires and protect yourself from smoke.
Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for support from The Disaster Distress Helpline, which is available to help 24/7 if you or a loved one are feeling stress, anxiety, or loss — no matter where you are located.